Racela named PHL U-16 youth team coach

San Miguel Beermen team captain Olsen Racela will make his coaching debut right after the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven Finals series. Racela, who is set to retire after the Philippine Cup, was named the new coach of the Philippine Under-16 team, a squad previously handled by Eric Altamirano, who will now coach the National University Bulldogs in the UAAP. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Noli Eala confirmed the appointment of the 40-year old Racela, who will end his 18-year PBA career after the All-Filipino Cup finals. Racela's familiarity with Altamirano's system basically sealed his hiring. "The major thing about Olsen's hiring was the continuity of the program, since he's also familiar with Eric's system," said Eala. Although he will also be one of Ato Agustin's assistant coaches with the Beermen starting next conference, there will be no conflict between that job and his role as National mentor. Racela's first order of business is to oversee open tryouts for Under-16 players on February 1 and 3 at the PhilSports Arena. National team aspirants should be born not later than 1995. "Basically, we are looking for height, quickness, and of course, skills from the boys who must be willing to sacrifice these next few months for the national team," said Racela, who was a National youth team member in 1987 and 1989. The tryouts will be used for the formation of the National team bound for the 2011 FIBA Asia U-16 tournament in July. No host has been announced as of posting time. Two years ago, Altamirano guided the Philippines to a fourth-place finish in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, with a team led by Kiefer Ravena, Cris Tolomia and Kevin Ferrer, among others. – JVP, KY, GMANews.TV