MANILA -- Whether he still has one year to play for La Salle or not, Ben Mbala will turn pro next year.
The reigning two-time UAAP MVP announced that he will leave the Green Archers camp ahead of his move to Mexico to play for Fuerza Regia De Monterrey in the top-flight league there.
"After five years, two incredible UAAP seasons, numerous off-season tournaments, and of course countless unforgettable memories, it is with a heavy heart that I announce that the time has come for me to move on from De La Salle University and the Green Archers," the six-foot-eight Cameroonian forward-center said in a statement posted on Twitter Friday, a day after Monterrey announced the signing of Mbala on social media.
"My choice might come as a surprise to many, and I have to admit, the decision to leave was the toughest I have had to make after being with La Salle for so many years, but I feel that this decision is best for the next stage in my career and development," added Mbala.
Mbala thanked the people who made his stint with the Green Archers worthwhile, including his chief backer Danding Cojuangco, Coach Aldin Ayo, his staff, teammates, fans, and the La Sallian community.
"I am truly grateful for having had the opportunity to represent the Green Archers and will always be La Sallian by heart," said Mbala.
Mbala started his collegiate career with Southwestern University (SWU) in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) before moving to La Salle in the UAAP.
Mbala helped the Archers enter the UAAP men's basketball finals twice, eventually cropping the 2016 title.
However, uncertainty on whether he can still play for La Salle surfaced when the league decided to revive a rule that only makes players who are at most seven years out of high school eligible to play.
Mbala graduated high school in 2010, which could keep him out for the next season.
Mbala also starred for Cameroon during the FIBA Afrobasket, convincing Monterrey, the defending Mexican league champ, to keep an eye on him. (PNA)
