Banal TnT coach for rest of series

Coach Joel Banal will complete his tour of duty with Talk n Text in the current PBA All-Filipino Cup before returning as head coach of Ateneo in its bid to retain the UAAP crown this season.

Talk n Text top honcho Ricky Vargas told The STAR they made the decision to ease the conflict of schedule Banal is currently facing. His stint with the Phone Pals may be extended at most up to Wednesday if the title showdown goes the full route.

The Blue Eagles start their title defense in the UAAP versus the UE Warriors at 4 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday. At 6:30 p.m. on the same day, the Phone Pals play the Tigers in Game Six of their titular duel at the Astrodome.

Banal said Sandy Arespacochaga will most likely call the shots for the Eagles Sunday while he devotes his time with the Phone Pals that day.

After the All-Filipino Cup, Banal will concentrate on Ateneo’s campaign, with assistant coach Ariel Vanguardia calling the shots for the Pals, according to Vargas. – Nelson Beltran