Gab Banal set to join TNT

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The TNT Tropang Giga further boosted their deep and talented roster as former Alaska Aces swingman and sniper Gab Banal is set to reinforce the team in the upcoming PBA Governor’s Cup.

Tropang Giga team manager Gabby Cui confirmed their team’s latest off-season move after Banal wasn’t able to work out a contract extension with the Aces.

Banal was expected to stay with Alaska after putting up stellar numbers in his highly-anticipated PBA return.

The sharp-shooting forward posted 8.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game during his first year with Alaska and was the league’s best three-point shooter after finishing the conference on an efficient 45.2% from deep.

According to reports and multiple sources, Banal was offered a one-year contract extension by the Alaska management but he turned it down upon negotiation.

Long-time basketball coach Charles Tiu also confirmed the development and tweeted: “Was looking forward to have one more fun with @gabbanal in the other league. But wow congrats to him as he’s going to play for the champs TNT!”

Banal will be providing more shooting from the perimeter and the three-point territory for the TNT team that relied mostly on their drive and kick offense under head coach Chot Reyes.