FORMER UAAP and NCAA champion coach Koy Banal said he has applied for the University of the East coaching job, confident he can help end the Red Warriors' long title drought after steering San Beda to the title following a 28-year barren spell.
Banal is looking to take over the reins from coach Derrick Pumaren, who was let go by the school after four seasons without a Final Four appearance.
The Red Warriors have actually missed the semifinals for eight straight years.
"Yes, I've submitted my application," said Banal, who currently handles PBA D-League club Marinerong Pilipino, which has UE star Alvin Pasaol in the lineup.
Banal won two UAAP championships with Far Eastern University in 2003 and 2004 before moving to the NCAA to help San Beda claim the 2006 crown, ending the school's 28-year title drought.
He also bared that he's planning to have his brother Joel, a Marinerong Pilipino assistant coach, on the staff if he gets the UE post. Joel won a UAAP championship with Ateneo and an NCAA title with Mapua before coaching Alaska in the PBA.
"UE is on a 31-year title drought. I’ve done it with San Beda after a 28-year drought," said Banal.
"Coach Joel broke the 14-year drought for Ateneo who will be my consultant if we’ll be given the chance. We know what to do and how to do it,” he added.
Banal also had a stint with Arellano University from 2011 to 2013 before handling Phoenix in the PBA from 2014 to 2016.
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