Olsen Racela’s Perpetual Altas have added another key piece from the Junior Altas’ NCAA Season 100 championship core.
Jan Roluna officially committed to the Altas on Tuesday, joining high school teammates Jan Pagulayan, Aries Borja, Jericho Cristino, Icee Callangan, TJ Tabbuan, and Kelsey Baldoria in the seniors’ squad.
Having his closest friends around made the decision easier for the 6-foot-2 winger.
“Super saya po kasi makakasama ko ulit sila, pero sa panibagong level na,” Roluna told Tiebreaker Times.
Roluna, who earned a spot on the NCAA Season 100 Mythical Team, was a key contributor during the Junior Altas’ title run, averaging 15.31 points, 6.62 rebounds, 2.46 assists, and 2.31 steals per game.
Junior Altas head coach Joph Cleopas expressed his joy over seeing his former players reunite at the college level.
(C) Dennis Abrina/Perpetual
“It’s truly a blessing, and I believe it’s part of God’s plan. Honestly, seeing them stay and continue to trust the program makes me very happy—it shows they believe in what we’re doing. As their high school coach, I feel proud because it also reflects the effort we’ve put in,” said the youthful coach.
“For me, this is one of the most meaningful ways we can contribute: by helping them stay committed and move up to the senior level. God willing, they will carry the values and resilience they’ve gained and make a positive impact on the team.”
The Junior Altas’ core is set to join their Perpetual senior Mark Gojo Cruz.
Also making their debut with the Altas this year are former UAAP standouts Patrick Sleat, LA Casinillo, Kenji Duremdes, Kylle Magdangal, JM Tulabut, Allen Maglupay, and Josh Alcantara—adding depth and talent to Racela’s growing roster.
“’Yung goals ko po, first of all, ay mas makilala pa si God, mag-grow hindi lang bilang student-athlete kundi bilang isang tao rin. Mas maging mature at makapag-adjust kasi ibang level na po ito eh. Tapos maging consistent sa mga ginagawa ko hanggang sa maabot ko ’yung dream ko na maging pro,” said Roluna.
“At sa Perps naman, gusto ko lang makatulong hangga’t saan aabot ang skills ko. Siyempre, goal ko rin na mabigyan ng championship ang Perps. Pero alam kong kailangan pagtrabahuhan ’yon, kasi ibang level na — college na ito. Gusto ko rin ipagpatuloy ’yung winning culture namin mula juniors hanggang college.”
Lebron Jhames Daep will still meet with Perpetual officials this weekend.
