New University of Perpetual Help System Dalta head coach Olsen Racela’s first order of business is to determine what pieces he has as he begins the Altas’ rebuilding process.
The mentor told DAILY TRIBUNE that he will meet with the players and coaching staff on Monday to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of his squad and from there address what needs to be done in their build-up for the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 100.
Racela, who formally signed a three-year contract on Thursday, knows that he won’t get the results he wanted overnight but expects the full cooperation of the whole team to achieve its goal.
“We’re not focused on the results. We’re going to start at the bottom until we progress in the season. I expect the players to give their best and grow together,” Racela said.
The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel assistant coach will have former head tactician Myk Saguiguit as his deputy while former NCAA MVP and Kings star Scottie Thompson will be on the management side.
“We have a scheduled meeting on Monday. Coach Myk’s role will be crucial because he knows the players and the opponents. Coach Joph Cleopas is our strength and conditioning coach and the coach of the juniors’ team so there’s continuity. Scottie will be on the management side,” Racela.
“I have been coaching college for the past six years. Part of my role at Ginebra is to be a scout for college players for the draft.”
Perpetual finished Season 99 in fifth place with a 10-8 win-loss record.
Racela’s experience in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines will be a huge boost to the Las Piñas-based squad. The 53-year-old mentor led Far Eastern University to consecutive Final Four appearances from 2017 to 2022.
To test the mettle of his wards, Racela is looking at having tune-up games with Adamson University handled by his brother Nash Racela.
“We always help out one another and now more so that we aren’t playing against each other. There could be tune-up games with Adamson and Perpetual,” he said.
The Altas will have holdovers Mark Denver Omega, Nath Sevilla, Christina Pagaran, Cyrus Nitura, Arthur Roque II, Carlo Ferreras, John Abis, Rey Barcuma, John Paul Boral, Angelo Gelsano, Richard Movida, Jearico Nuñez, Shawn Orgo, Bryle Mascariñas and Justin Thompson for the league centennial season.
