INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines- Carrying a surname associated with basketball, Raphael Banal is slowly living up to his family's legacy.

His father Joel played for Mapua in college before playing for Great Taste in the PBA. Now assistant coach for Alaska, Banal also coached Ateneo in the UAAP seniors from 2003-2005.

So it's no so surprise his son is carving his own name as a member of Ateneo's high school squad.

Raphael considers his dad and uncle Coy, also a former UAAP coach with Far Eastern U, very influential in nurturing his interest in basketball.

"Ever since, this is the only sport that I grew up with and i just found myself wanting to excel in this (basketball)," said Banal, who plays shooting guard for the Eaglets, averaging no less than 15 points per game this season.

Despite his basketball pedigree, he said he feels no pressure from his dad.

"I can see that he challenges me to work hard because he wants me to achieve his dream for me to do better than what he did," said Banal, who aspires to become pro.

Ateneo, second behind La Salle after this season's eliminations, will try to defend its crown. The Eaglets are loaded with talent and Banal has had his share of good games.

The 6-foot-1 swingman shoots well from the field and has hit crucial three-pointers in a couple of games to lift the Eaglets.

But his personal goal is to play better defense to boost his stock once he enters college.

"I don't think much about it right now since my focus is to help my team win specially now that I'm on my final year," Banal said, when asked about where he thinks he'll end up playing seniors basketball.

His surname literally translates to "holy" in Filipino and
Banal tries to embody that as well by praying every night before a game.

"I believe nothing is really possible without Him," he said, notinf praying relaxes his mind and body.

Banal is hoping he and his teammates can win another title this season. "The most important thing for us right now is to win and being MVP is just a bonus if it comes," he said.