Joel Banal says son Ael ‘in good hands’ with Isaac, Blackwater

Blackwater Elite selects Raphael Banal as the first pick in the regular draft. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Joel Banal could only sigh looking back at the path his son Ael took before making the PBA.

“It’s another miracle for our family,” he said Sunday after Ael was picked first overall in the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft.

The former PBA coach, who called the shots for TNT and Alaska, shared his son’s move to Hope International School in California positioned him to become a better player.

“It really was a five-year plan for him to go to the States so he’ll have a better chance,” he said.

And on Sunday, all the hard work and sacrifice were rewarded.

“It paid off. Being number one in the regular draft is really a miracle,” he said.

The elder Banal could also take solace knowing his son will be under the guidance of Leo Isaac, who was his junior back in their days in Mapua.

“When I was playing, [Isaac] came in as a very young player and I know he has a desire to win. He won’t quit and he’s proven that. He won in Mapua and he won in the teams that he played for,” he said.

As the younger Banal begins his professional career, his father will be happy sitting in the sidelines, knowing that his son is in a good position with Blackwater.

“Ang sabi ko kay Raphael, ‘you’re in good hands.’ From coach Leo, coach Bong (Ramos), and the Blackwater management, I’m very happy for him.”