University of Perpetual Altas head coach Olsen Racela is not promising the moon and stars but vowed to give their rivals a run for their money when the 100th Season of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament begins on Sept. 7 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Comprising the team are eight holdovers and 10 rookies – reason why the former San Miguel Beer star has cautioned their supporters not to expect too much from this season.
Despite his lineup, Racela is convinced they have what it takes to challenge their rivals – defending champion San Beda included.
“I admit that we are not on the list of the teams to beat this season, and some experts even said we are not too strong this season, but that’s not a reason to not be competitive,” said Racela.
Among the newcomers, Racela pointed to Mark Gojo Cruz as the one likely to get ample playing time along with Bryan Manuel, Axl Jon Manuel, Emman Pizarro, Markkian Danag and Axle Rose Javier.
With the exit of veterans Jielo Razon, Jasper Cuevas and Joey Barcuma, Racela said Justin Thompson, Bryle Mascariñas, Iñigo Montemayor and Ralph Cauguiran need to steel themselves when up against teams loaded with veterans.
“Hopefully they gain experience as the tournament goes up because they need to step up,” said Racela, who is handling his second collegiate team two years after coaching the FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP.
This early, Racela expressed delight with the support of the school management, F2 Logistics, Fins and Claws and World Balance.
F2 is also backing the Junior Altas, Junior Lady Altas Volleyball and Lady Altas Volleyball.
The management, headed by Anton Tamayo, is grateful with the support of F2 CEO Efren Uy. m
Racela, who will have Richard del Rosario as first assistant coach, is also pinning his hopes on Christian Pagaran and Nathaniel Sevilla along with John Cedrick Abis, Jearico Nuñez, John Paul Boral, Gelo Gelsano, Shawn Orgo and Richard Movida.
“I am very conservative because I’ll take it one game at a time, compete in every possession, keep up with the opponent, hopefully steal a win in every game.
