LAS PINAS CITY — University of Perpetual Help System Dalta continues to chase its dream of winning its first men's basketball championship in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as the Altas gear up for Season 102 which will unfold on Sept. 13, 2026 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Despite the challenges they face this season which requires sophomores and juniors to step up to fill the positions left by the graduates, the Altas promises to form a formidable team that can compete well against the nine other teams in the league.
Head coach Olsen Racela said the loss of five players who have completed their playing years — Patrick Sleat, John Abis, Jearico Nuñez, JP Boral and Josh Alcantara — will have a huge impact to the team but the former PBA star added that the Altas will continue to show a strong fighting spirit this season.
Last season became a valuable learning experience for the team as the Altas finished third overall after showing character, resilience and determination throughout the season. Now they are ready to take the next step higher.
Racela expects holdovers Mark Gojo Cruz, Shawn Orgo, Gelo Gelsano, L.A. Casinillo, Ray Maglupay and JM Tulabut to continue playing valuable roles for the team this year.
He also said the talents of Jan Roluna, JD Pagulayan, Aries Borja, Kenji Duremdes, Inigo Montemayor, Jerciho Cristino and Kelsey Baldoria will be unleashed this year.
"That's I used them a lot in the Fil Oil Pre-season," Racela said.
The pool of players also includes rookies from the Junior Altas team such as Jim Corpuz, Kurt Velasquez and Renzo Zanoria
With a renewed roster, a deeper sense of purpose and the unwavering support of the Perpetual Help faithful, the Altas are ready to make a serious statement in NCAA Season 102 as a respected basketball program.
