Banal confirms he’s on way out as SBC coach

Coach Koy Banal confirmed yesterday that he’s on the way out at the San Beda team which he steered to the championship in last year’s NCAA basketball tournament.

"I received a text message from a top official running San Beda’s basketball affairs that if I don’t agree with them, we might as well part ways," said Banal. "I’m really sad, I didn’t imagine it to end this way."

Banal said he had disagreement with the school’s sports officials, particularly concerning his commitments with San Miguel Corp. He calls the shots for the Magnolia Spinners in the PBL and is one of the assistant coaches at the Purefoods Chunkie Giants in the PBA.

Banal, however, stressed he will remain loyal to his alma mater and will gladly help the school if he were asked to.

"I wouldn’t be where I’m now if not for the values San Beda taught me," said Banal.

Fr. Paul de Vera, OSB, the school’s representative to the NCAA board, said he has been hearing the news but hasn’t been officially informed of this development.

"I was told there’s no official decision yet, but I’ll look into it," he said.

San Beda team manager Mukesh Advani admitted earlier that Banal is on the way out and mentioned they already have a short list of possible replacements.

Mentioned in the list were University of the East coach Dindo Pumaren, Ateneo de Manila high school coach Jamike Jarin, former PBA coach Eric Altamirano, ex-San Beda assistant coach Jude Roque and Talk N Text team manager Frankie Lim.

"We have a young group of players, we want someone who will be there for these kids full-time," said Advani.