Baracael was a former cager of MSEUF. In 2006, Baracael, also known as “Macmac”, transferred to Far Eastern University of the UAAP. After serving his residency, he became part of the FEU Tamaraws Senior basketball team on the account of his agility, one-on-one defense and outside shooting.
Shooting/apparent attempted assassination
On July 24, 2008, Baracael was shot by an unidentified assailant.[1] He was walking outside the FEU campus in front of a PhilTrust Bank branch, in the corner of Morayta and R. Papa St. Marnel, Barcael was with his teammates Ron Cabagnot and Robert Kave when the suspect fired two gunshots. One bullet hit the left side of the player's back and the bullet exited from the lower portion of his nipple. Baracael was rushed to the Mary Chiles Hospital but was later on transferred to Capitol Medical Center. Allegedly, he was shot not only to warn him or scare him but it was intended to put the player to complete silence. Motives behind the attempted assassination are still unknown, but it was believed that the incident was related to a game-fixing issue that Baracael said to have reported earlier to FEU management.
Smart Gilas
Alongside his FEU teammates Mark Barroca and Aldrech Ramos, Baracael was part of the roster of the national team, Smart Gilas, headed by coach Rajko Toroman. He led the team in scoring to help Smart Gilas finish second place in the 22nd Dubai Invitational Basketball Tournament.
PBA career
Alaska Aces
He along with 33 other rookies led by teammate JVee Casio applied for the draft. On draft day, he was taken 6th overall by the Alaska. He then signed a three-year deal with the team. In his official debut as a professional in the PBA, Baracael led the scoring for Alaska with 20 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists in an 83–72 loss against the Barangay Ginebra Kings.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
In January 2013, Baracael was traded to Barangay Ginebra in a 5-team, 10-player deal.[2]