Racela banking on young bigs

Adamson University is looking at its young talents to fill the big shoes left by veteran big man Cedrick Manzano in the Soaring Falcons’ Final Four goal in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.

Head coach Nash Racela challenges his wards to plug the hole in the middle after the team’s former workhorse’s departure following a disappointing campaign last year.

The mentor is pinning his hopes on 6-foot-9 Jireh Tumaneng, Nigerian center Jonah Preciou and rookies Mac Jedonia and Jarl Artango to step up in the Falcons’ redemption bid.

“It’s challenging because, No. 1, we lost Cedrick Manzano. It’s hard to replace him. And then we have a younger group of big men,” Racela said.

“They have a big vacuum to fill. Yes, it’s very challenging but at the same time just like what we preach to our players it’s really an opportunity. As a player this is what you’re waiting for right? Just make the most out of it,” Racela added.

Adamson will also rely on the leadership of seasoned holdovers Matt Montebon, Matty Erolon, AJ Fransman, and Ray Allen Torres to bounce back from a seventh-place finish last season.

The Falcons struggled in the first-round and failed to recover as they ended up with a 6-8 win-loss record.

Adamson reached the semifinals twice in the last five years under Racela.

The Falcons were booted out by eventual champion Ateneo De Manila University in the 2022 Final Four before losing to De La Salle University two years later.

Adamson had been busy building up its confidence during the offseason.

But Falcons’ progress remains to be seen once they step on the court starting Sunday against no less than season host Far Eastern University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Racela knows his team doesn’t have the same depth as the competition, yet he believes Adamson is ready to compete.

“They have more talented players, but it doesn’t take anything away from us,” he said.

“What’s important is our players are doing their part. As long as you do your part, you give yourself a chance.”