Just weeks after the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA closed out their campaign in NCAA Season 99, change is coming to the Las Piñas-based squad as Olsen Racela is set to call the shots for the Altas.
Perpetual team manager and alumnus Scottie Thompson confirmed the development, saying both sides are just finalizing the deal as Racela had already agreed "in principle".
The flashy Ginebra guard added that it was the school management that reached out to him to offer the coaching job to Racela, who is currently serving as one of Ginebra's assistant coaches under head coach Tim Cone.
"Kinausap ako ng management to try to get coach Olsen para sa team. Ayun nga, I think so far all good naman. Confirmed na ite-take na 'yung coaching job sa Perpetual and we're happy na on board siya," Thompson said on the heels of Ginebra's 110-96 win over Meralco on Friday night.
(Management asked me to get coach Olsen for the team. Then, I think it's all good so far. It is confirmed that he will take the coaching job in Perpetual and we're happy he is on board.)
Racela also confirmed the development.
"In principle lang. Siguro before the year ends meron na," Racela added. (In principle for now. Probably something will come up before the year ends.)
Thompson also stressed that San Miguel Corporation has no involvement in Racela's assignment.
Outgoing Perpetual coach Myk Saguiguit, meanwhile, will serve as one of the lead deputies for Racela after leading the squad for the past three seasons, where they made the Final Four stage once.
With these changes, Thompson is hopeful that the players can adapt smoothly as they look to gear up for the centennial season next year.
"The good thing is hindi nagkakalayo 'yung system na ipapasok ni Coach Olsen. Makakatulong ako kung paano patatakbuhin ni coach Olsen 'yung sistema niya," he added.
"Of course, sana 'yung mga bata masaya sa changes na mangyayari (because) I know na-affect din sila sa nangyari kasi mahal na mahal nila si coach Myk."
(The good thing is their system is not that different to what Coach Olsen will bring. I could also help how Coach Olsen would run his system. Of course, hopefully the players are happy with the changes since i know they are also affected since they love Coach Myk.)
Racela, who will return to the collegiate scene after ending a six-year stint with FEU in 2022, will inherit a young core led by Mythical Five member Jun Roque as well as rising cagers Cyrus Nitura, Christian Pagaran, John Abis, Mark Denver Omega, and JP Boral.
The Altas suffered a lethargic start to Season 99 before they went on a rampage in the second round, winning seven of their last nine games to wind up tied at fifth spot with JRU with identical 10-8 cards.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
