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Head coach Koy Banal is hoping to bank on the familiarity in enlisting former players Denok Miranda and Mark Isip as his new assistants in Marinerong Pilipino.
Partners in Far Eastern University during the mid-2000s with Banal at the helm, the two veterans were on the bench aiding their former mentor when the Skippers opened their campaign in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.
“I’m glad with the two of them because they’re willing to walk the extra mile and make sacrifices for this team,” said Banal after his side’s 94-92 win over Zark’s Burger-Lyceum on Thursday.
Isip, 36, has been with Marinerong Pilipino since the team’s maiden conference in the 2017 Foundation Cup, while Miranda just arrived to the team after being left unsigned by Blackwater in the offseason.
But don’t count out the possibility of the two of them suiting up once again.
“They’re just on stand by. Anytime that we need a veteran leadership, they are ready. They’re practicing with the team and our players,” the mentor said.
Miranda is listed as Banal’s lead deputy, tasked to guide playmakers like Renzo Subido, Achie Iñigo, and Joseph Terso. Isip, meanwhile, is working with the bigs like Abu Tratter, Vince Tolentino, and Papot Paredes.
“It’s my responsibility to guide the guards because I’m sharing them my experiences in the PBA and the battles that I’ve had before,” said the 35-year-old.
Miranda also clarified that he’s not hanging up his jersey just yet as he juggles his responsibilities as an assistant coach and a practice player for the Skippers.
“I’m not retired. I might still play, but it depends on the situation. We’re helping the guards while also training with them. I’m just excited for this opportunity,” he said.
But whether or not Miranda and Isip lace up those sneakers again, all the veterans are thinking of is helping Marinerong Pilipino compete this first conference.
“People say that we’re one of the strongest teams this conference, but that’s just on paper. There’s still a lot of things that can happen. So for us in the coaching staff, all we want is to build the team as one,” he said.