LAS PIÑAS CITY—Debuting coach Olsen Racela will field a roster of 10 rookies and 8 returning players for the Perpetual Altas Basketball team in the Centennial Season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which kicks off on September 7, 2024, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, with Lyceum of the Philippines University as the host school.
With the support of sponsors F2 Logistics, Fins and Claws, and World Balance, the team aims to improve and reach its peak performance during the season.
Racela said he expects the rookies, namely Mark Gojo Cruz (a Junior Altas standout), Bryan Manuel, Axl Jon Manuel, Emman Pizarro, Markkian Danag, and Axle Rose Javier, to contribute significantly to the team’s rotation.
Several other rookies, such as Justin Thompson, Bryle Mascariñas, Iñigo Montemayor, and Ralph Cauguiran, will also be part of the rotation, filling the void left by the departures of Jielo Razon, Jasper Cuevas, and Joey Barcuma during the offseason.
“Hopefully, they will gain experience early on, mature quickly in every game, and contribute immediately this season and in the future,” said Racela.
F2 Logistics recently expanded its support for the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta’s sports program to include Senior Men’s Basketball, Junior Altas Basketball, Junior Lady Altas Volleyball, and Lady Altas Volleyball, reinforcing its commitment to grassroots Philippine sports.
F2 recently signed an agreement led by CEO Efren Uy and Anton Tamayo, the Team Manager of Perpetual Altas, to support the Las Piñas City-based squad.
Racela, along with assistant coach Richard Del Rosario, will rely on returning players, including Team Captains Christian Pagaran and Nathaniel Sevilla, as well as John Cedrick Abis, Jearico Nuñez, John Paul Boral, Gelo Gelsano, Shawn Orgo, and Richard Movida.
“I am very cautious and will take it one game at a time, competing in every possession and keeping up with the opponent. Hopefully, we can steal a win in every game,” said Racela.
He acknowledged that Perpetual Altas may not be among the favorites this season, but emphasized that this should not deter their competitiveness.
Racela predicted that defending champion San Beda University, College of St. Benilde, Mapua, dark horse Letran, and host school LPU would be strong contenders this season.
World Balance continues to support the team for the second consecutive season, while Fins and Claws are sponsors of assistant team manager Scottie Thompson.
