MANILA, Philippines – Multi-titled basketball coach Joel Banal will be joining the Bataan Risers on Jan. 1, 2019, as adeputy to head coach Jojo Lastimosa as the team makes its title push in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup.
“A few months ago, the Risers were looking for additional personnel who can bring in much experience that they may (or may not) need later in the season,” shared Banal of how he got involved with Bataan. “They were looking for someone who will not disrupt the chemistry they are enjoying at the moment. Since I am already close to Jolas as I have worked with him in the past (with the Alaska Aces in the PBA) and I know several of his assistants, I was named a candidate to join the coaching staff.”
Both Banal and Lastimosa served as assistant to Tim Cone during his time with the Aces. When Banal succeeded Cone, Lastimosa remained on the coaching staff.
Said Lastimosa of Banal joining the risers, “More than a good friend, we have a long history together. From a player to co-coaches to his assistant, his experience and wisdom of the game can go a long way in helping me and the staff as well as the players. Personally, he will have a great impact to me as a coach as I evolve. Having someone you can trust beside you gives me a sense of comfort. There is a confidence knowing that he can tell it to me if I mess up.”
Banal was a part of the Great Taste Coffeemakers’ PBA dynasty during his four-year pro career from 1982-85 that was cut short by a career-ending injury. During that span, Great Taste won four straight PBA conferences — beginning with the Second All-Filipino and the season-ending Invitational conferences of 1984 and the Open and All-Filipino conferences of the next year, 1985.
The 6’4” cager then switched to coaching where he tasted even more success.
He steered his alma mater of Mapua to two NCAA seniors championships from 1991-92 and the Ateneo Blue Eagles to the 2002 UAAP crown. The 2002-03 season was a memorable one for the 6’4” former PBA player as he initially guided Hapee-Nenaco-Ateneo to the Chairman’s Cup title of the now defunct Philippine Basketball League. He followed that up with the Blue Eagles’ 2002 UAAP and Micaba titles. He kicked off 2003 by piloting Talk ‘N Text to the PBA’s All-Filipino crown.
Banal will join a coaching staff that consists of Vic Pablo, Ervin Sotto, Andy De Guzman, Jonas Villanueva and Yuri Escueta. Sotto was a player for Alaska when Lastimosa and Banal were with the Aces.
The Bataan Risers currently sport a 14-2 record.