By: Joaquin Cortez
Nash Racela has one more campaign to prove what his rebuilding Adamson University side can do as he looks to keep the Soaring Falcons competitive in UAAP Season 89 in what could be his final year with the program.
With his contract set to expire at the end of the basketball season in December, uncertainty has surfaced over the veteran tactician’s long-term future in San Marcelino. Still, for the 2015 UAAP champion coach, Adamson’s campaign should remain focused on what happens on the court.
“Well, nothing is clear. Maybe the only clear thing is that I am not hearing anything about my contract,” said Racela.
“But we don’t want this season to be defined kung ano man ‘yong meron kami dito sa Adamson.”
Instead, Racela wants the Falcons to remain true to what has defined his tenure: finding ways to compete despite roster and resource disadvantages.
“Over the last four or five years, we’ve shown that, regardless of the resources or the lineup that we have, we have been consistently competing,” he said.
That consistency, however, has yet to translate into a breakthrough for Adamson.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Since taking over the program in 2021, the former TNT and Blackwater head coach has led the Soaring Falcons to a 32-38 record, with Adamson reaching the Final Four in just two of his five seasons at the helm.
Before his return to the UAAP, Racela spent four seasons with Far Eastern University from 2012 to 2016, steering the Tamaraws to a runner-up finish in 2014 before guiding them to their first championship in 10 years the following season.
While the Falcons have yet to return to the championship round since 1992, Season 89 brings another challenge with the departure of Ced Manzano.
“It’s always hard to replace Cedric Manzano,” Racela said. “Hindi masyadong nakikita ng tao ‘yong effect ng pagkawala ni Cedric Manzano. But it’s really a challenge for the younger players that we have.
“Hindi pa sila ganoon kahinog; nagma-mature. But again, I want them to see this as an opportunity and a challenge.”
Despite lacking the same recruitment advantages and roster depth as some of the league’s bigger programs, Racela believes the Falcons can still compete against the UAAP’s traditional heavyweights.
“Well, it’s always a given that all those other UAAP schools are very talented,” he said.
“They already have the advantage in terms of recruitment. So, as a result, they have more talented players. Supposedly, they are more equipped. But again, it doesn’t take away anything from us.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Without Manzano, the Falcons will lean on Mathew Montebon, AJ Fransman, Matty Erolon, and Ray Allen Torres to lead the squad.
Earl Medina, rookies Mac Jedonia and Jarl Artango, Nigerian big man Jonah Precious, Allen Perez, and Jireh Tumaneng will also help anchor the Season 89 Adamson squad.
Despite going winless in the FilOil Preseason Cup, Adamson showed glimpses of its potential with a comeback victory over defending champion De La Salle University.
“Siyempre, alam naman ng lahat na we don’t have the best preparation available sa lahat ng UAAP,” the mentor said.
“It should help us in terms of ‘yong confidence na meron kami doon. It should also remind us to be prepared harder kasi mabigat ‘yong laban na haharapin namin.”
For now, Racela is focused on making the most of what Adamson has and keeping the Falcons soaring.
“Ang importante lang is ‘yong mga players namin are doing their part in really preparing for this season. As long as you do your part, lagi ka naman may chance.”
