Luckless Altas get help with Olsen Racela coming on board

FILE–Former FEU coach Olsen Racela is now with Perpetual Altas in the NCAA. –UAAP PHOTO

Despite producing one of the most multidimensional PBA players of the modern time, a basketball championship in the NCAA has remained elusive for the University of Perpetual Help.

But Scottie Thompson, easily the most prominent product of the school’s program, is steadfast in his belief that changes could happen soon.

Olsen Racela, a multitime PBA champion and a deputy for powerhouse Barangay Ginebra, has agreed in principle to call the shots for Perpetual, giving the Altas another key figure in its bid to manufacture a winning culture.

“We’re happy that he’s on board,” Thompson said of Racela, who is also no stranger to coaching in the collegiate level, having mentored Far Eastern University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines from 2016 through 2022.

“I think the good thing here is that the system that coach Olsen would bring won’t be too different from the old one. I’ll also be able to help the [youngsters] with whatever’s going to be run by coach Olsen since I (already) have an idea. I hope they [players] are just as excited with the changes.”

Perpetual last reached the NCAA Final Four in Season 97, which was eventually ruled by Letran.

In getting Racela, Perpetual gains a mentor who has seen the game through the perspective of a truly effective player and a coach. The 53-year-old won nine PBA titles playing as a guard mostly for the San Miguel franchise. He has also won 10 more serving as an assistant to Tim Cone, the PBA’s winningest coach.

Racela’s arrival also comes as a boost to the already undeniable presence brought by Thompson, who said he will continue serving as the Altas’ manager.

Thompson said former coach Myk Saguiguit will be sliding down to become an assistant, while the remainder of Perpetual Help’s brain trust is being finalized.

“I know the results won’t immediately show, but we’ll stick to a process for Perpetual,” said the former NCAA and PBA Most Valuable Player.