University of Perpetual Help has named Olsen Racela as its new head coach for the NCAA Season 100, the team announced on Thursday, Jan. 11.

Racela, who serves as one of Barangay Ginebra's assistant coaches, will guide the Altas in the oldest collegiate league which will soon celebrate its centennial season. 

He replaced Myk Saguiguit who came up short in leading the squad to a Final Four appearance after finishing the eliminations with a 10-8 record which was good for a fifth-place finish.

Team manager Scottie Thompson, who was once a celebrated Perpetual star, welcomed Racela in his social media post.

“It's official! Perpetualites let's all welcome coach Olsen Racela to our family. FUEGO ALTAS!!” he wrote.

Thompson denied that San Miguel Corp., which owns the Ginebra franchise and was a key supporter to Letran's three-peat, had a hand in Racela's appointment.

“We're happy na onboard siya and of course, we're happy din si coach Myk [Saguiguit] still part of the team. And wala pong involvement ang SMC dito,” Thompson clarified.

Racela has a long list of achievements, boasting nine PBA championships and six All-Star selections. In his coaching career, he won 10 titles with multiple teams in the pro league.

With Jielo Razon out of the lineup, the Altas are expected to rely on Art Roque, Christian Pagaran and Cyrus Nitura.