By: Brenn Allen Flores:
Holdovers and rookies alike stepped up to gift Olsen Racela a win in his University of Perpetual Help DELTA coaching debut on Tuesday.
Veteran big man JP Boral led the team to an 82-66 victory against Jose Rizal University, delivering a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Boral’s dominant presence in the paint was a crucial factor, as the Altas managed to score 54.5-percent of their field goals.
They also limited the Bombers to just 36.8 percent shooting.
Racela highlighted the significance of the inside presence in the Altas’ system, noting how it creates offensive opportunities for the team.
“Malaking bagay that our bigs really showed yung inside presence in today’s game kasi it helped our wings kapag ganoon,” Racela said.
He further explained, “It helps (Christian) Pags, JP, once we put pressure on their bigs, it also helped Gojo (Cruz). It goes hand in hand eh, so yung inside-out game, part of our system ‘yon eh.”
Junior standout Mark Gojo Cruz also exceeded expectations in his debut, contributing 15 points, three assists, and five rebounds.
He supported captain Pagaran, who added 11 points.
The Season 99 Juniors’ Rookie of the Year and Mythical Five member displayed remarkable poise, making four of his five field goal attempts (80-percent) and hitting all four of his free throws.
Racela had anticipated that the 6-foot guard’s composure and readiness would transition effectively to the senior level.
Cruz has helped fill the gaps left by the departures of Jielo Razon, Jun Roque, and Cyrus Nitura in the offseason.
“Well nakita ko na yon sa juniors eh, sanay yata si Gojo kapag andiyan na yung mga tambol and mga nagche-cheer,” the former FEU Tamarawsw head coach said.
Racela also emphasized Cruz’s two-way capabilities as a critical component of the Altas’ future success.
“Like I said before, Gojo is going to be a big part of our future of Perpetual. Ang gusto ko kay Gojo is he’s a two-way player hindi lang sa offense pati sa defense din. He’s going to be a big part of our future,” he added.
Although expectations are high following Racela’s first win as an NCAA coach, the former Far Eastern University mentor acknowledged that adjustments are still necessary.
“Of course, I’m happy with the win. My first win. Pero it’s part of our growth namin as a team,” Racela said.
“Madami pa kami kailangang gawin, and we’re learning, we’re still adjusting sa isa’t isa, sa system, sila sa kin. Ako sa kanila. At ako ko sa liga. I’m just happy na nakuha na namin yung first win, and we move forward after this.”
