Ilocano Ganal becomes first Filipino to play in Liga ACB

Ilocano Ganal becomes first Filipino to play in Liga ACB

fastbreak.com.ph

October 14, 2024

Ilocano guard Aaron Ganal has made history as the first-ever Filipino to play in Spain’s Liga ACB, which is regarded as one of the strongest domestic leagues in the world alongside the NBA.

Ganal made his Liga ACB debut with the MoraBanc Andorra team during their 112-87 victory against Básquet Coruña on Saturday night (Sunday in Manila).

The 6-foot-1 guard played for nearly a minute and scored three points, successfully hitting three of his four free throw attempts for MoraBanc Andorra.

Ganal first signed a one-year deal with MoraBanc Andorra in August 2022 but did not see action in the Liga ACB. He returned to the team this year.

The 20-year-old guard previously played for FC Barcelona’s youth basketball team and was invited to join Spain’s Under-16 national team pool.

Gilas Pilipinas Youth Team official Enzo Flojo previously stated that Ganal considered playing for the Philippine team but did not go through with it, as he would have to renounce his Andorran citizenship.

“‪Would’ve been terrific to see him part of the Batang Gilas pool, but getting a Phi passport means he’d have to renounce his Andorran citizenship. Dual citizenship is forbidden in Andorran law,” Flojo wrote.

Ganal’s father, Bhoyet, was born and raised in Ilocos Norte and previously played as a naturalized player for the Andorran national basketball team.