The PBA bubble known as Smart Clark Giga City has become a chance for some players and coaches to reunite and recall their days in the collegiate ranks.
San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria had a mini gathering with former players from Adamson University while Barangay Ginebra assistant and Far Eastern University mentor Olsen Racela celebrated his 50th birthday with ex-Tamaraw cagers who are now PBA rookies.
Both reunions held at the Quest Hotel came as the PBA held a short break as new health protocols and schedule were crafted.
Austria was with NLEX’s Jericho Cruz, Blackwater’s Don Trollano, Alaska’s Rodney Brondial and Phoenix Super LPG’s Jansen Rios during the reunion while eating burger and pizza.
The four players donned the Adamson jersey during the latter part of Austria’s second tenure in San Marcelino that ended in 2013.
Racela was alongside his brother and Blackwater coach Nash Racela, Alaska’s Barkley Ebona, Ginebra’s Arvin Tolentino, San Miguel’s Wendell Comboy and Blackwater’s Richard Escoto for FEU’s own reunion.
Olsen handled the four players during his first four seasons handling the reins in Morayta. He took over in 2017 from Nash, who remained with the team as a consultant.