AFTER an added year’s wait, Cameroonian forward Ben Mbala is raring to finally suit up for the La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP and vows redemption, both for himself and the squad he watched get eliminated in heartbreaking fashion by eventual champions Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the Final Four this past season.
Mbala was all set for his much-awaited debut this year after getting recruited from Cebu’s Southwestern University several years back. However, the Archer faithful had to wait another year after the 6-foot-7 forward was made to serve an additional year’s residency after getting caught playing in a commercial basketball tournament in General Santos City – a violation of UAAP rules.
But with that behind him, Mbala has set his eyes on getting to work under new head coach Aldin Ayo in the hopes of bringing the Archers back to the top of the league.
“Next year will be a redemption year for us. We are a very young team with plenty rookies and getting back to the top won’t be an easy task for u . But we still have a lot to work and when we get to the season, it will be more about mental toughness and experience especially on how to handle our fourth quarters,” shared Mbala in an exclusive talk with Cebu Daily News yesterday.
Mbala recalled how difficult it was for him watching from sidelines, knowing how much he could have helped the squad especially inside. Ironically, it was a putback by FEU forward Mac Belo that put an end to La Salle’s season in the Final Four.
“I feel very excited and blessed to finally get to play. It wasn’t really easy to go through especially seeing how bad the team really needed me,” the man known as “Big Ben” shared.
While the UAAP season is a long way off, Mbala said that his and the team’s focus is on working on the system of Ayo, who was brought on to replace Juno Sauler just weeks after guiding the Letran Knights to the NCAA championship.
“Yes we had a couple of training sessions before Christmas break with Coach Aldin (Ayo). He introduced himself and the new coaching staff and also the foundation of what we will be doing for the coming season. He is a defensive minded coach and he really expects us to play tough and physical,” narrated Mbala.
“We have been warned by Coach Aldin that there will be a lot of running,” added Mbala with a hearty laugh.