MANILA, Philippines -- After nearly playing in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) two years ago, former De La Salle University superstar Ben Mbala said he is not closing his doors on potentially playing in the country again.

In November 2018, Mbala was on standby for the Magnolia Hotshots during their campaign in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup, after import Romeo Travis sustained an injury.

"I went to the PBA office. I (did) all the paperwork. They took my height and everything," Mbala said during an appearance on "The Prospects" podcast.

It was former La Salle coach Juno Sauler, an assistant with Magnolia, who linked Mbala with the team. At the end of the day, however, the former UAAP Most Valuable Player did not suit up for the Hotshots.

Instead, Travis played through a hamstring injury, and led Magnolia to the Governors' Cup championship against the Alaska Aces.

"My situation was depending on how Romeo would feel," Mbala recalled. "For me, I don't mind trying to be helpful, but I just don't want to sign if I don't know even if I'm going to play or not. It's depending on the guy."

"They told me, 'No, you can still practice and you will get paid.' And I'm like, it's not about the money," he explained. "It's about playing, so you gotta let me know right now. I can't just be on standby and be in the Philippines, not knowing what's going on."

"And then Romeo was feeling better, and you know what, I'm happy for you guys, and I just went home."

• READ: Ben Mbala talks about nearly playing for Magnolia in PBA finals

Mbala, who led La Salle to the UAAP Season 79 championship, eventually signed with Limoges CSP, a team in France's second division. However, a future stint in the PBA is still possible for the Cameroonian standout.

"It's like I told everyone, that for me, playing in the Philippines is still a path for me," said Mbala. "It's just at this level in my career, I'm probably hoping for like gaining more experience, working on my game."

Mbala even told one of the podcast's hosts, NLEX guard Kiefer Ravena, to be ready should they ever wind up playing against each other.

"Someday, I might play in the PBA against you, I'm letting you know," said Mbala.

Ravena, however, told Mbala that if he ever plays in the PBA, "I'll make sure it's with me."

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website).