A remarkable comeback story unfolds in the world of NCAA Philippines, where the Perpetual ALTAs have defied expectations and returned to the top spot after a staggering 21 years. This achievement, however, is not seen as the ultimate success by their head coach, Olsen Racela, who believes the team still has much to prove.
The Road to Redemption
In NCAA Season 101, the ALTAs secured a remarkable 9-4 record in the elimination round, a feat that guaranteed them the top position in Group A. This accomplishment is even more impressive considering the team's lack of a standout "star" player, a fact that Racela attributes to the collective effort and hard work of the entire squad.
While some may consider this a monumental success, Racela maintains a humble perspective. "The meaning of success is subjective. For me, we haven't achieved true success yet. We've accomplished something, but it's not enough," he shared in an interview following Perpetual's impressive 72-57 victory over LPU.
He continued, "We've shown that our approach, from the coaching staff to the players, is working. But true success, for me, is reaching the next level. I want to keep the team grounded and focused on the ultimate goal."
The Underdog Mentality
Perpetual's rise to the top is all the more remarkable considering their underdog status. In the preseason, the ALTAs were not among the favorites. The spotlight was on perennial contenders like San Beda University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, with defending champions Mapua University also in the mix. Even a rejuvenated Colegio de San Juan de Letran squad was considered a top title threat.
But Racela believes this underdog perception may have fueled their surprising success in Season 101. "I like that we're underdogs, that we don't have a star on the team. It shows in our no-nonsense playing style. There's no room for egos on our court."
He added, "If you look at our achievements, you might say we're not underdogs anymore. But if you compare our lineup man-to-man, I think we've overachieved. But, as I said, our work is not yet done."
Chasing the Ultimate Prize
The ALTAs now set their sights on continuing their successful run in the playoffs. They will face the winner of the play-in round between Group B teams Jose Rizal University and Emilio Aguinaldo College.
Despite their recent success, Racela hopes his team embraces the underdog mentality as they pursue the school's first-ever men's basketball championship. "I'm happy for the community, the supporters, the players, and the alumni. But it's not about how you start; it's about how you finish."
He concluded, "We've made a mark and achieved something significant, but we're after the bigger prize."
This story is a testament to the power of hard work, collective effort, and the beauty of an underdog story. Will Perpetual continue their fairytale run and claim the ultimate prize? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this team has already inspired and captivated the hearts of many.
