Banal new Eagles coach

Often, a change in name and a change in coach connote a team’s intentions for a strong title bid. And that’s what Ateneo had in mind as the 2002 PBL Chairman’s Cup unfolds April 3 at the Makati Coliseum.

The Blue Eagles will be parading new corporate sponsor Negros Navigation to support their bid to at least get into the semifinals behind new head coach Joel Banal.

Banal finds it apt to field an almost all-Ateneo squad to provide the Negros Navigation Blue Eagles the much-needed experience behind the core of 6’6 Enrico Villanueva, Magnum Membrere, three point shooter Larry Fonacier, Paolo Bugia and Rich Alvarez.

He likewise acquired Welcoat ace pointguard Celino Cruz to beef up the backcourt strength and 6’7 rookie Val Domingo to alternate with Villanueva and Bugia at the slot.

The comeback of veterans Ryan Pamintuan and Wesley Gonzalez will likewise add to the experience and the patented college spirit to the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ campaign.

And this season, Jeremy Anicete, Marco Benitez, Kriz Quimpo Jec-Jec Chia and JR Elmido are likewise expected to shine brighter.

"Actually, I’m just continuing coach Joe Lipa’s programs with little twists as we’re now on the phase of working on the Blue Eagles’ maturity and hopefully improve title chances not only in the PBL but also in the UAAP," explained Banal.

"Honestly, the problem I see now is that I’m new in the team and I have to know the boys much better and that they also adopt to my system" he added.

The PBL is nothing new to Banal. He had been the head coach of Casino Rubbing Alcohol in the early 90s. The league has also been his launching pad for a fruitful coaching career. He steered the Pasig Pirates as semifinalists in the MBA Northern Conference two years back.

"But the PBL has improved a lot since I last coached a team here and I expect a much tougher competition considering how the teams have built up during the off-season," said Banal.

"We have the materials, but we have to work on teamwork and experience to beat the top teams. Hopefully, as the games go on, the team will jell and play more mature," he added.