UAAP: Mbala to transfer to DLSU

17-year old Benoit Mbala, a 6’7” Cameroonian who used to play for Cebu's South Western University Cobras, is taking his talents to the UAAP. Multiple sources close to the De La Salle University men’s basketball team have confirmed that the African center has reached an agreement to transfer to Manila. However he will not officially be a Green Archer, until he enrolls in May.

Welcome to #DLSU Ben Mbala #BigBenDLSU — Go Archers (@LetsGoArchers) January 24, 2013      

DLSU fan site Go Archers.com also tweeted a welcome message to the player. The Green Archers count Mbala as their second major offseason acquisition following Bacolod-based prospect Kib Montalbo. Both players were also reportedly courted by their rivals, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles. [Related: Point guard prospect Kib Montalbo commits to Green Archers - report] Mbala gained nationwide interest after his performance in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League, where the Cobras, crowned this year’s CESAFI champions, Battled in the Final Four against Ateneo, the San Beda Red Lions and the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers. The Cobras bowed out in the round with a 1-3 card, but Mbala impressed onlookers with his raw athleticism and shooting. His brief stint playing in Manila was highlighted by his 41 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks in SWU’s lone Final Four win in overtime against the eventual champions, UST. Earlier in the month, SWU athletic director Ryan Aznar told the Sun Star Cebu that Mbala was staying with the CESAFI school, but did temper his words by saying, "If they [other schools] are really interested in Ben, they should talk to the school. "If they are interested in Ben or any of our players, they should talk directly to us, not through the players or any of those who are close to them," he emphasized. [Related: Hot transfer prospect Mbala staying at SWU - report] As a transfer student, Mbala would have to sit out the next UAAP season, before becoming eligible in the league. He'll be part of a frontline that will also include Arnold Van Opstal and Norbert Torres. - AMD, GMA News