The dream of La Salle and the worst nightmare of the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras were confirmed yesterday as prized Cameroonian big man Ben Mbala took one step closer towards donning the Green Archers’ jersey in the UAAP.
Mbala committed to the Archers yesterday, reportedly in a meeting that happened at lunchtime wherein school officials led by SWU chairperson Mariz Holopainen and head coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba met with the management of the Green Archers seniors varsity squad. This was confirmed by La Salle alumnus and current San Miguel Corporation sports operations head Noli Eala on Twitter.
“Its official! Benoit Mbala is playing for the Green and White. Welcome to La Salle, Ben,” said Eala, who added that the versatile 6-foot-7 forward would be attending his first practice with La Salle late yesterday afternoon.
Mbala confirmed to this writer his intentions to join La Salle in a conversation late Wednesday night.
“Yes, I have decided to join La Salle. But there are details that need to be finalized first,” he said.
Another high-ranking school official said that Mbala has indeed committed to playing for the Archers but nothing is set in stone until he officially enrolls in May.
In addition, should Mbala transfer, he will have to sit out one year because of the UAAP’s eligibility rules.
Mbala is La Salle’s second blockbuster acquisition in the offseason following in the footsteps of Bacolod City wonderkid Kib Montalbo, who committed to the Archers just recently.
Mbala became the target of many of Manila’s big-name schools after he raised eyebrows with his breakout performance in the 2012 Philippine Collegiate Champions League, wherein he averaged 27 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks in the semifinals, including a 41-point, 16-rebound, four-block performance against eventual champion University of Santo Tomas.
The news is expected to send shockwaves across Cebu’s collegiate basketball scene, especially in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi), wherein the Cobras became first-time champions last year.
With Mbala gone, it will leave them with a hole in the roster, giving the team’s other Cameroonian, Justin Aboude, the duty to fill in that hole.
But SWU athletic director Ryan Aznar maintained that he didn’t know anything about the transfer and was set to meet with Mbala today. He said whatever moves that will be made will have to be coursed through him, especially since he has in his possession Mbala’s pertinent documents.