University of Perpetual Help System DALTA is loading up for the centennial season of the NCAA.
The Altas have tapped former Far Eastern University Tamaraws head coach Olsen Racela to be their head coach.
Racela, 53, confirmed that he has agreed in principle to be the chief tactician of the team.
“I have agreed in principle, and we are just finalizing the terms of the deal,” he said in a statement on Friday.
However, the all-time PBA great denied that he would be backed by the San Miguel Corporation in developing the seniors basketball program of the school.
“As far as I know, there is no truth to the news about SMC’s support for the Perpetual basketball program,” continued Racela, also a former head coach of the RP Youth team.
“What I can confirm is that there have been talks between myself and Perpetual management regarding the head coaching job of their men’s basketball team.”
It is most likely that Racela’s close bond with Perpetual great and assistant team manager Scottie Thompson paved the way for his signing.
Racela previously spent five years with the Tamaraws, making it to four straight Final Four appearances in the UAAP.
In Season 85, FEU missed the semis with a 5-7 slate.
Racela remains an assistant coach for Ginebra.
Perpetual, on the other hand, finished fifth in NCAA Season 99, missing the Final Four by a solitary game.
Myk Saguiguit spent three years as head coach of the Altas.