The 2-time UAAP MVP is ready to move on to the next chapter of his basketball journey.
After two seasons with the Green Archers, Ben Mbala formally announced today that he will be leaving the team.
— thekidfromCameroon (@benmbala) December 22, 2017
It has been reported as well that he signed up with Mexican ballclub Fuerza Regia.
Fuerza Regia anuncia la llegada del Delantero de Poder/Centro camerunés BENOIT “BEN” MBALA como refuerzo extranjero para el resto de la Temporada 2017-2018 y la @Ligamericas 2018. @LNBPoficial #EsteEsMiJuego #TodosSomosFuerza. pic.twitter.com/seMxExkzHQ
— Fuerza Regia (@Fuerza_Regia) December 19, 2017
Mbala transferred to La Salle in 2013 after a one year stint with Southwestern University in Cebu. Due to UAAP residency rules which was changed upon his arrival to Taft Avenue, he was made to sit out for two years. When it was discovered that he played in a pocket tournament in 2014, he was declared ineligible to play in the 2015 UAAP season.
EXCLUSIVE: Basketball superstar @benmbala says his decision to leave La Salle is final https://t.co/0JKC6FSTrY pic.twitter.com/gehzWOxHtr
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) December 22, 2017
He took the league by storm when he finally got to play in 2016 as he led the Green Archers to the UAAP title. This past season however, the team fell short of winning a back-to-back.
According to him, it was tough decision to make but to be honest, we cannot blame him if he decided to move on. With the UAAP reportedly set to restore the rule in which players need to max out their 5 years of eligibility within 7 years after graduating from high school, there is uncertainty if Ben, who graduated in 2011, can still play in the league.
With Abu Tratter already maxing out his eligibility, the team now has lost their two starting frontline.
We thank Ben for two amazing seasons and countless highlights. You have nothing anymore to prove here and it’s time to take your game to the next level. Good luck!