Team manager Hector Calma confirms Olsen Racela to be new Petron coach

PBA/Nuki Sabio

Petron team manager Hector Calma on Friday confirmed to InterAKTV that Olsen Racela will be announced as the new head coach of the Petron Blaze Boosters, replacing Ato Agustin.

“It’s Olsen. We don’t know what to expect now, but we know Olsen has clout among the players, particularly the veterans,” said Calma, who called Racela’s appointment “management decision”.

InterAKTV reached Racela for comment in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, where he is currently coaching the Energen Pilipinas squad in the FIBA Asia Under-18 Championship, but he didn’t betray any excitement over his appointment.

“Puwede ba huwag na muna nating pag-usapan yan?” requested Racela in an overseas phone call made Friday night.

Racela was in the middle of scouting an hour after his team walloped Saudi Arabia by 43 points.

“I’m focused on my scouting because we will be going against a tough Iran team next,” he said.

The ex-star point guard was chosen over former SMART-Gilas Pilipinas coach Rajko Toroman.

A source within the organization said Racela’s appointment as head coach over Toroman was based on several factors.

“He has no problems dealing with the players, particularly the veterans,” said the source, who requested anonymity. “With coach Rajko, baka magkaroon pa ng issue regarding the BCAP (Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines).”

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