e belongs to one of the most famous bloodlines in Philippine basketball.
Now, Jonathan Banal is hoping to carve his own niche, having survived a life-threatening illness before working tirelessly behind the scenes last year.
The 31-year-old Jonathan, son of multititled tactician Koy Banal, was appointed as head coach of the Rizal Golden Coolers for the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League’s fourth season on Thursday.
“I’m just grateful for this opportunity,” said Banal, the 2007 NCAA rookie of the year, who was a fourth-round pick in the 2014 PBA Draft.
“I love coaching and would want to follow the footsteps of my father and uncle and my mentors.”
Banal counts father, Koy, and uncle Joel Banal as his biggest coaching influences. He also serves as assistant to Yong Garcia at Marinerong Pilipino in the PBA D-League.
More than his knowledge of the game, Banal’s story of faith and resilience resonate to people in the basketball community.
Unknown to many, the younger Banal was diagnosed with lupus just two years ago. He was on intensive care for a week and had to undergo dialysis.
“It was hard, but I had faith in God,” said Banal, who was initially diagnosed with tuberculosis.