"We learned our lesson," head coach Banal put it simply, referring to the 2001 season where they were also predicted to come out strong after a successful campaign in the Fr. Martin Cup. He had experience and talent combined in star Tams Leo Avenido, Rysal Castro, and Miko Roldan, only to be eliminated by the Green Archers in the semis. "We embraced the prediction. We were convinced that it was our year. We learned from that mistake," he admitted.
In sports, competitions are mental as much as they are physical. Basketball, especially in the collegiate ranks, is no exception. When coaches are asked about their strong team, the initial reaction is to point a finger at another squad, to shift the focus from their own. By doing this, they stop in its tracks the number one adversary of every athlete –complacency. Moreover, they get the pressure off their back. There is tremendous rebuke and embarrassment coaches and players get and feel when they perform below the expectations of fans.
The Tams learned this in a painful way. Currently, though proud of their unexpected bridesmaid-finish in the recently-concluded PBL-Unity Cup, Morayta-dribblers are now trying to keep a low-profile. According to Banal, "UAAP is a totally different story from the PBL. Our performance was good but now we have to work harder ‘cause the other teams are preparing for us."
They are confident of their height. The tallest player in the line-up is 6’8 Don Yabut. Towers 6’6 James Razon and 6’5 Gerard Jones are playing their last year. With the drive to accomplish something for their school, coupled with experience in the PBL, expect these two to provide scary inside threats for the Tamaraws. Also taking their PBL experience to the UAAP courts are forwards 6’3 Cesar Catli and 6’4 Mark Isip. Sophomore Arwind Santos is certainly going to be a big boost.
Tams’ backcourt is also big. 6’0 pointguard Dennis Miranda also played in the PBL along with 6’3 shooter Rhagnee Singco. Both Ryan Rizada and James Zablan measure 6’2. The only player standing below 6 feet is 5’10 rookie pointguard Eleazar Gutierrez whom Banal recruited from Pampanga, along with Jay Sierra. 6’2 guard Jeffrei Chan is also a newbie from St. La Salle Bacolod.
"We may be taller but we can’t run. Other teams may create mismatches," Banal pointed out. To solve that, FEU hired the services of Track and Field national coach Daro de Rosas, a Philippine record holder, and also fitness coach of the Coca-Cola Tigers in the PBA. His role is to help the Tams get in shape and improve their agility. They will need that to quicken their rotation.
During the PBL finals, one observer commented that the Viva boys moved very much like their "kuyas" in the PBA. And Banal found that very flattering. "I admire coach Chot Reyes," he revealed.
It is this and his loyalty to the San Miguel company that shapes his allegiance to Coca-Cola in the Samsung-PBA All-Filipino Cup Finals, even though brother Joel Banal is head coach of Talk n’ Text. While many swear by the adage "Blood is thicker than water," the younger Banal looks at it differently. During game one of the finals, he bumped into another brother Conrad who was obviously there for the Phone Pals. Coach Koy approached them and said, "Sori ‘tol. Sa kabila ako."
He is definitely enjoying spectator status in the PBA. But as of press time, Banal is also busy preparing for his first assignment in the UAAP. "Luigi (Trillo) is definitely coaching in the next level. Ang galing na ng Adamson ngayon, smaller and quicker. May big men pa sila. Kumpleto na ‘yung threats nila," he observed.
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