A month before the centennial season of the country’s oldest collegiate league tips off, the Perpetual Altas have finalized their 20-man roster, anchored by returning players from last year’s men’s basketball team, namely Christian Pagaran, John Cedrick Abis, John Paul Boral, Angelo Gelsano, Jearico Nuñez, Shawn Orgo, Richard Movida, and Nathaniel Sevilla.
This strong core will lead the team into the NCAA Season 100, which unfurls on Sept. 7 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, hosted by the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates.
New head coach Olsen Racela aims for an early peak performance.
“We’re getting there,” he said. “They’re improving with every game. Hopefully, we’ll hit our stride at the right time.”
The team is still evaluating a shortlist of rookies — Bryle Mascariñas, Justine Kyle Thompson, Eman Pizarro, Axl Manuel, Brix Manuel, Mark Danag, Iñigo Montemayor, Regie Ayon, Axel Javier, Ralph Cauguiran, and Mark Gojo Cruz.
Racela expects significant contributions from NCAA Season 99 (Junior’s Division) Rookie of the Year, Mark Gojo Cruz.
“He’ll be part of the rotation,” the coach said. “Many of the rookies didn’t play last year, so we’ll integrate them immediately. We lost nine players to graduation and professional careers, including Jielo Razon, Jasper Cuevas, and Rey Joey Barcuma.”
Gojo Cruz, who averaged 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in his junior year, expressed his determination.
“Coach O helped me identify my weaknesses during the offseason, and I’m working hard to contribute to the team, even as a rookie,” he said. “His confidence in me has boosted my own, and I’m ready to play like a veteran.”
Racela hopes the young players will mature quickly and help the team this season.
“I’m taking it one game at a time,” he admitted, acknowledging the team’s significant losses.
Racela, an assistant coach for Barangay Ginebra, will be assisted by Richard Del Rosario, Jam Lipae, Joph Cleopas, and Gerald Dizon.
“I want this team to compete fiercely in every possession and every game,” Racela said. “We’re underdogs, but that won’t stop us from competing now and in the future.”
Team captain Christian Pagaran is determined to lead the Altas to their first-ever men’s basketball championship.
“I’ve prepared myself to be a leader and role model,” he said. “I’ll contribute on both ends of the floor and aim for a strong finish to my playing career.”
The defending champion, San Beda, is the team to beat, followed by St. Benilde, Mapua, and a dark horse, Letran. Lyceum is also expected to be strong.
The Perpetual Altas, celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2025, have yet to win a championship since joining the NCAA in 1984. Last season, they finished fifth with a 10-8 record.
