Returning Banal vows to be ‘hands-on’ as PCBL Commissioner

PCBL chairman Buddy Encarnado and commissioner Joel Banal.

After three and a half years away from the sport, Joel Banal returns to the Philippine basketball scene as the new commissioner for Pilipinas Commercial Basketball League (PCBL).

Taking over from Ato Badolato in the league’s second conference, the Chairman’s Cup, the multi-titled coach expressed his excitement for the task ahead of him.

“Everything is new to me. I’m excited. I know it’s a big challenge ahead, but I’m all for the challenge,” said Banal.

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The 58-year-old had last dabbled in basketball in 2012 when he was part of the coaching staff for Alaska. Since then, he has made himself busy as the president of Domuschola International School in Pasig.

Now, he’ll try to bring the success he had as a player and as a coach to an executive position in the PCBL.

“As a coach, I was a hands-on coach. I told myself before that when I can’t demonstrate what I want my players to do, it’s time for me to retire,” said Banal, who steered Mapua and Ateneo in the collegiate leagues, and Talk ‘N Text in the PBA to championships. “I’m a hands-on coach and I’m going to be a hands-on commissioner.”

The PCBL Chairman’s Cup tips off on Sunday with six teams bannered by defending champion Jumbo Plastic vying for the title.

And even before the action starts, Banal has already laid down the law to all six teams.

“I met with the coaches and introduced the rules that we’re going to use, shared the vision we have for the PCBL,” he said. “We wanted this to be like the second coming of MICAA. I myself experienced that. There was a time that out of the 10 teams, eight teams are all strong. That was so exciting and Rizal Memorial Stadium is always filled with the viewing public. I know the feeling, and it’s a good goal and ambition to have, to make the PCBL revive the MICAA of old.”

Aside from the Giants, the field includes Sta. Lucia, Foton, Supremo Lex, EuroMed, and newcomer Mighty Sports, which will be led by Kiefer Ravena.

A winner in every level he has been in, Banal is hoping that his run of success continues as he helps a fledgling league stay on track under his stewardship.

“I know his [Buddy Encarnado’s] style and I know there’s an expectation, but if there’s no expectation, goal, or ambition, I’d rather stay in the house and sit in a rocking chair,” said Banal. “The challenge is my fuel, as a coach, as a player, the championships and everything. The more challenging the task is, the better I become.”