Banal downplays title chances

Coach Koy Banal knows having the same solid line-up does not guarantee Magnolia Dairy Ice Cream-FEU another sweet championship in the coming PBL Open Championship.

But the youthful coach is still craving for it.

No matter how difficult the task is, Banal said the San Miguel Corporation’s franchise will work harder and smarter this time to rekindle the legacy the team once enjoys in the league in the ’80s when the team was still backstopped by the likes of Jerry Codiñera, Dindo Pumaren and Nelson Asaytono.

The team won the Unity Cup crown last June using the label of Viva Mineral Water. Now, the team will be using a new name, which Banal, is hoping to inspire his boys further in their bid for back-to-back championships.

"Having a new name is my chief motivating factor in the coming conference. Magnolia has a rich winning tradition so we hope we could revive it," said Banal, who is one of the finest coaches in the league right now.

Of course, Banal foresees troubles along the way, but said they are ready for it.

"It’s going to be tough for us because we won the first tournament but we are ready. In fact, I’m excited about the coming conference because all teams are strong and better prepared," said Banal as he noted that even collegiate teams like ICTSI-La Salle and Addict Mobile-Ateneo are capable of winning the championship.

The Open Championship starts on Saturday next week with the Wizards installed as one of the favorites along with perennial finalist Welcoat Paints and Montana Pawnshop.

Actually, the Open Championship would be a perfect place for the FEU players to redeem themselves following a shocking defeat at the hands of the La Salle Archers in the recent UAAP finals.

"I know how painful it is for them to lose in the finals after working so hard for almost a year," Banal added. "Naaawa nga ako sa mga bata, especially for Dennis (Miranda) who missed a crucial basket down the stretch. Dennis played hard but the breaks were not on our side."

Arwind Santos, winner of the Unity Cup and UAAP MVP trophies, is again expected to lead the assault for the Wizards along with Miranda, Warren Ybanez, Mark Isip, Gerard Jones and Jason Misolas.

Also in the cast of the Wizards are streak-shooting Cesar Catli, RJ Rizada, Jose Sison, Joel Co, Don Yabut, James Razon, Francis Barcellano and vastly improving Neil Raneses.

The Wizards are expected to use their quickness and decisive height advantage in the hope of scoring one big win after another. And hopefully, that will lead to another magical season.