GAB Banal said he was pleasantly surprised to end up at recently-crowned 2021 PBA Philippine Cup champion TnT after turning a free agent.
Banal confirmed he has signed a two-year deal with the Tropang GIGA, just days after he became a free agent when he declined a one-conference offer from Alaska.
Banal attended his first practice with TNT on Monday where he was able to speak at length with head coach Chot Reyes.
“To be honest, I’m just thankful to God. He orchestrated this, from being offered a one-conference deal to joining a defending champion team. I cannot explain it. It’s all the work of the Lord and I’m really thankful and blessed to have this opportunity,” said Banal.
“I really wanted to stay longer with Alaska because I already played with them one conference. But God has other plans for me and I’m just thankful for this opportunity to be in a defending champion team especially coached by coach Chot Reyes,” he said.
Banal didn't miss the irony of landing in the team which won its first-ever PBA regular championship with his father Joel at the helm.
The elder Banal led the Talk ‘N Text Phone Pals to the 2003 All-Filipino Cup championship, years after the franchise ruled the 1998 Centennial Cup when it was still carrying the colors of Mobiline.
Irony not lost on Banal
Gab remembered going to the practices of both Alaska and TNT when he was young.
“It’s funny how the two teams I’ve played with, my dad coached them both. In a way, I’m familiar with the culture because as a kid, I’ve gone and watched practices of Alaska and Talk ‘N Text. I’ve been part of Alaska and now I’m part of Talk ‘N Text,” said Banal.
Right in his first day of practice, Banal said he already learned a lot from Reyes in their conversation, getting him even more pumped to play for the Tropang GIGA in the coming Governors’ Cup.
“First day of practice, I’ve learned a lot na agad kay coach Chot. He is not just a basketball coach but a leader because he taught me so many things awhile ago that I’ve never heard before. It’s an opportunity for me to learn from the best, not just as a coach but also a leader and a life coach,” said Banal.
“I clearly know why he is the best. After a long time not coaching in the PBA and when he came back, he won a championship right away. Just the first day of practice, I learned so much already and I can’t wait to learn more and grow under the wings of coach Chot Reyes and the Talk ‘N Text organization,” said Banal.
The former MPBL MVP said he is willing to play any role with TNT, confident that Reyes and his coaching staff will be able to bring the best out of him.
Banal said he is also grateful to Nueva Ecija's MPBL team led by coach Charles Tiu and team owner Bong Cuevas for releasing him to TNT. Banal said he was supposed to play for the club in the MPBL Invitationals.
“Thankful din ako kay coach Charles Tiu and kay boss Bong ng Nueva Ecija for allowing me to go to Talk ‘N Text. Actually kinukuha ako ni coach Charles sa MPBL Invitationals. He let me go to play for Talk ‘N Text. I’m really grateful,” said Banal.
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