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MANILA -- Chris Banchero is aching to play in the PBA soon... and if given the chance to choose, he would want to be in a Barangay Ginebra San Miguel jersey.
The good-looking San Miguel Beer-Philippines guard caught the fancy of screaming girl fans of the ASEAN Basketball League, where he has been a mainstay in the last two seasons, not only for his superb basketball skills but his charming looks as well.
“I feel blessed to play for any team in the PBA, but since you’re asking me what I’d prefer if I get a chance to--- I think, it’s Ginebra,” said Banchero, who is actually a Filipino-Italian.
“Ginebra has always been my favorite team... since I started playing pro-basketball here in the Philippines,” he added while revealing how amazed he is with the team’s charisma to fans.
Banchero even expressed his awareness of the fact that Ginebra was able to record impressive numbers both in terms of gate attendance and television ratings in the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals, where they lost via sweep to the Alaska Aces.
“It’s the number one team to be on, they always have the respect of the Philippines. It’s like playing for the national team. And I am not the only who sees it,” said Banchero, the finals MVP of the last ABL season, which San Miguel ruled.
It is also common knowledge to basketball fans that his teammate and best bud from San Miguel Beer, Asi Taulava, has long expressed his desire to play for the PBA's crowd darlings as well.
But for the meantime, Banchero will have to play first through the league's developmental league before he turns professional.
The former Seattle Pacific University stalwart is said to be being eyed by Blackwater Sports team in the PBA D-League, where he will be required to play two conferences before becoming eligible for the rookie draft.
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Yeah, I am sure to join the PBA. My agent is already working on it. Right now, I am taking a break. Hopefully, next month we will know what lies ahead,” he said.
The next conference of the PBA D-League will kick off in November, and assuming he completes participation the next season, Banchero will be eligible to join the 2014 draft.
Source: Snow Badua, Solar Sports Desk
