FILE–Olsen Racela coaching the FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Olsen Racela had one thing in mind as he assumed the head coaching post at the University of Perpetual Help: Growth.
The Altas had a promising campaign in the NCAA Season 99 despite missing the Final Four and Olsen Racela hopes to build on it moving forward.
“Hopefully, we can grow together and improve as individuals but more so, as a team,” said Racela, who took over from Myk Saguiguit.
“Every team I coached, I really give my best. Of course, I have yet to meet the team but expect that I will give my best.”
Coaching in the collegiate ranks is nothing new to Racela, who called the shots for Far Eastern University from 2017 to 2022.
It also won’t be the first time that Racela will see Perpetual Help play. He’d done his homework and liked what he saw from the Altas.
“I already watched the games of Perps and they’re a very competitive team. I like the lineup, what coach Myk did with the team is good and the basketball program’s recruitment is good,” Racela, a PBA assistant coach with Barangay Ginebra, said in Filipino.
Racela, the former PBA star with nine titles under his belt, knows coaches can only do so much with the outcome–success or failure–determined, in large part, by the players.
That’s why Racela is determined to help bring the best out of the Altas.
“Results will follow. Coaches are here to guide them and bring out their potential so hopefully, they grow and improve.”
Perpetual Help finished with a 10-8 record last season, falling just a game short of a potential Final Four spot.