By Adrian Stewart Co

The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards beefed up their roster ahead of the upcoming Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League season by adding former MVP Gab Banal, along with Juan and Javi Gomez de Liano, to their lineup.
“[Banal is] as a former MVP in our league and is a very good leader,” said Nueva Ecija head coach Charles Tiu. “His work ethic is tremendous and he can do so many different things offensively; giving us versatility.”
“He’s one guy we’ve always wanted and, finally, it can happen,” the coach added.
In the recent Lakan Cup, Banal averaged 13.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.0 steals per game and led the Bacoor Steel to the semifinals before bowing out with an injury.
The team also acquired former University of the Philippines standouts Juan and Javi Gomez de Liano.
In addition, homegrown player Edzel Mag-isa was also added to the squad./ASC, WDJ