Scottie admits serving as ‘bridge’ for Perpetual and new coach Olsen

SCOTTIE Thompson is happy that Olsen Racela will soon be calling the shots for the Perpetual Help men’s basketball program in the NCAA.

Thompson said Perpetual Help management spoke to him about being the bridge in order to offering Racela the coaching job with the Altas in his role as the team manager of the Las Piñas-based university’s men’s basketball team.

Racela said he has agreed in principle to join Perpetual Help, a team that fell a game behind College of St. Benilde for the fourth and final place in the semifinals of the last NCAA season.

With Racela set to take over, Myk Saguiguit will still remain with the Altas as an assistant coach.

“We are happy na kinausap ako ng management and tried to get coach Olsen sa team,” said Thompson on Friday following Barangay Ginebra’s win over Meralco in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

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“I think so far, all good naman. ‘Yung preparation namin, sana magtuloy-tuloy. I think confirmed na ite-take na niya ‘yung coaching job. We are happy na on board siya. We are happy na si coach Myk (Saguiguit) is still part of the team.”

PHOTO: Patrick Romero

Thompson also clarified that San Miguel Corp. is not involved in the revamp.

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“Walang involvement ang SMC dito. Just me and coach Olsen ang nag-uusap. Inutusan ako ng management ng Perpetual na kontakin si coach Olsen kasi nasa Ginebra ako and convinced him to take the job,” said Thompson.

Thompson said he will definitely become more active in helping Perpetual Help to become even more competitive for the coming seasons.

“Stay pa rin ako as team manager na tumutulong sa kanila. I think the good thing is hindi nagkakalayo ‘yung system na pinapasok ni coach O. Ang maganda lang dito, makakatulong ako sa mga bata kung paano patakbuhin ‘yung sistema niya. May idea ako,” said Thompson.

Thompson is confident that the players can adapt to the change at Perpetual Help, but also recognizes that it would take time before their potential would be reached with Racela on board.

“Sana ‘yung mga bata, masaya sa mga changes na mangyayari. I know na naaapektuhan din sila dahil mahal na mahal nila si coach Myk. Nag-usap naman kami. It’s about Perpetual. Kasi Perpetualite siya. Kung ano ang best sa Perpetual, nandiyan kami as alumni para tumulong,” said Thompson.

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“I know hindi naman agad agad ‘yung result but stick kami sa process sa Perpetual,” he added.

Thompson also revealed that the school is still speaking to coaches that could potentially join Racela’s staff.

“Still under negotiation ‘yung iba. Sobrang happy ako na so far, interesado si coach O and I think confirmed na,” said Racela. “’Yung facts is Coach O taking the job and SMC is not involved.”

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