The case for Koy Banal

After he steered San Beda College to its first NCAA men’s basketball title in 28 years, Koy Banal was unceremoniously dumped as head coach of the Red Lions via – of all things – a text message.

More than two months ago, Banal realized that things were going to get difficult for him when he discovered plans to deviate from previously agreed-upon program.

Red Lions team manager Mike Advani, in a phone interview for the program Hardball (of which this writer is one of the hosts) simply said "The school wants to go in a different direction. We want a coach who can be with the team full-time."

Banal came aboard midway through the 2005 season, replacing Nash Racela. In the past, the Red Lions were unable to retain the players from their incredibly successful Red Cubs team, since many high-profile colleges would raid the roster. For once, they were able to keep the core of the team in Borgie Hermida, Jay-R Taganas, JR Tecson, Bambam Gamalinda and Ogie Menor, who all were part of the 2005 adidas Asian Streetball champions and junior NCAA contenders.

Last season, with the addition of 6’8" Nigerian rookie Sam Ekwe, the Red Lions amassed a stunning 13-win, 1-loss record, their only defeat coming at the hands of eventual finalist Philippine Christian University. In that loss, however, Banal was unable to coach because he was attending to his duties as an assistant coach for Purefoods in the PBA. Assistant coach Jude Roque’s charges led most of the way, then collapsed in the fourth quarter. Roque was axed.

Needless to say, the celebration when San Beda won was tremendous. I was covering the game for ABS-CBN sports, and I saw many grown-up men in tears, even high-ranking present and former government officials. Even bowling champion Botchok Rey exclaimed, "The last time we won, I was still in Grade 4!" Banal, who also coached FEU to a UAAP title, labored to get his players into the PBL. It was also the only way the league would allow the foreigner Ekwe to enter, as member of a school team. But along the way, Banal said that he learned that the Red Lions players might be pulled out to train or compete elsewhere (possibly in the US) in preparation for this year’s NCAA tournament.

"I am very sad," Banal told this writer. "But I know that God will bring me somewhere else where I will fluorish."

According to Advani, Talk ‘N Text team manager Frankie Lim is now conducting the Red Lions’ practices, and may coach them in their BAP-SBP benefit game tomorrow at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium againts UAAP champion UST, unless another coach is formally announced before then.

What many basketball lovers lament is the way Banal has been treated in this whole matter. Why couldn’t school authorities face him personally and tell him that they want to go in a direction other that what was agreed upon? Banal has brought so much honor – no to mention revenue – to the school, and brought it back where it once was, in a place of glory on basketball’s mountaintop. He is a God-fearing gentleman and a winner. He deserves better.

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Reader Nemy Cunanan of Anaheim, California ([email protected]) e-mailed this writer with her strong reaction againt WBC superfeatherweight champion Manny Pacquiao’s announcement that he would run in the May elections.

"There is no doubt that Manny has a soft spot in his heart for his kababayans. It is also no secret that he has done so many good deeds for the not so fortunate Filipinos. From giving money to sponsoring a whole basketball team, even giving the basketball ring and post, for an interbarangay basketball tourney. He is well loved and known in the entire Philippine archipelago. It is by this that, I in particular, I’m sure not a few share my views, feel sad that he is indulging into politics.

"I’m sure he is sincere when he says he wants to help his less fortunate kababayans. He might even feel obligated that they are his own responsibility. But please let it be known that politics is a dirty world. He is such a great boxer that us in the US always look forward to seeing him fight. He can always help those in need through his own ways and not as a politician.

"We all remember what happened to Mr Basketball Sonny Jaworski. He has lived almost his entire life building his legacy in basketball. He was well-respected and loved. He is the Big J. Everyone roots for him. Even those who don’t love him respect him. But politics destroyed him.

"So I say Manny don’t venture into something you are not built for. You have so much more to lose and nothing to gain. To our politicians including President Arroyo, Manny Pacquiao is such an inspiration an icon to all of us especially to us who are so far away from our country. It is through such athletes as Bata, Paeng and Manny that we feel proud being a Filipino. Please don’t take it away. God bless."

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