BLACKWATER'S buildup continues with the signing of Richard Escoto to a new deal while at the same time waiving Gab Banal just a day before the PBA Philippine Cup opens on Wednesday.
Team manager Johnson Martinez confirmed the Bossing no longer renewed Banal's contract, but the 33-year-old is not expected to be jobless for long. He reportedly has signed with the Quezon Huskers in the MPBL.
Banal played for three conferences with Blackwater starting in the Commissioner’s Cup last year when he was acquired as part of a three-team trade that centered on Troy Rosario.
In his final conference with the team, Banal averaged 3.2 points and 1.3 assists in 10 minutes of play per game.
As he finds his way back to the MPBL, Banal returns to the league which he once dominated. He was adjudged MVP during his stint with the Bacoor City Strikers in the 2019 season.
Blackwater has been on a semi acquisition binge. During the offseason, the Bossing acquired two-time MVP James Yap, and the trio of Rey Nambatac, Jaydee Tungcab, and the injured Justin Chua in a pair of trades.
Escoto was likewise given a new one-year contract, according to Martinez.
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