LAS PIÑAS CITY – Coach Olsen Racela’s Perpetual Altas will face their first test of the season against the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers in the third playdate of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City.
Key returning players Christian Pagaran, John Cedric Abis, and JP Boral, along with rookies Ruvic Danag and Mark Gojo Cruz, are ready to showcase their offseason growth and contribute to the team’s success.
Local supporters of the Dr. BGen Antonio Tamayo-owned educational institution believe that the Las Piñas City-based cagers are determined to improve upon their fifth-place finish in Season 99 (10-8 win-loss record).
The Altas roster includes eight returning players from last season’s campaign — Angelo Gelsano, Richard Movida, Jearico Nuñuez, Shawn Orgo, Nath Sevilla, Pagaran, Abis, and Boral.
Fresh from their high school stints, rookies Gojo Cruz and Danag, along with other newcomers Axl Rose Javier, Axl and Bryan Manuel, Iñigo Montemayor, Bryle Mascariñas, Ralph Caguiran, and Emman Pizarro, are expected to fill the vacancies left by Mark Denver Omega, Cyrus Nitura, Arthur Roque II, Carlo Ferreras, Jielo Razon, Jasper Cuevas, and Joey Barcuma.
Racela, who is also an assistant coach for Ginebra San Miguel in the Philippine Basketball Association, is optimistic about his young and promising lineup.
Coach Louie Gonzales of the Kalentong-based Heavy Bombers will rely on veterans Shawn Argente, Mart Barrera, Lance Benitez, Wayne De Leon, Joshua Guiab, Jonathan Medina, Sidney Mosqueda, Patrick Ramos, and Vince Sarmiento.
Danag and Gojo Cruz, former rivals in the junior ranks for San Sebastian and Perpetual, respectively, will now unite to lead the Altas offense this season.
Altas team captain Christian Pagaran expressed his determination in an interview, saying, “I’ve prepared extensively for Season 100 because this is my last playing year as a collegiate player. I’ve prepared myself to be a co-leader with Nat Sevilla and a role model for our teammates, especially the rookies.”
Defending champions San Beda Red Lions and College of St. Benilde will clash in the main game at 2:30 PM
