FEU assures Racela to finish UAAP season, will support coach’s decision

MANILA, Philippines – The FEU Tamaraws assured on Saturday, October 22 that Nash Racela will finish his duties as the head coach of the varsity team in UAAP Season 79 and will support whatever decision he makes regarding a career on the professional basketball level after.

Speaking to the media following FEU’s win over UP – its seventh consecutive victory – FEU sports director Mark Molina said Racela will still remain in his current position calling the shots for the Tamaraws until the season ends.

“Wala naman (There was no) doubt. We know Nash will not leave the team in the middle of the season,” Molina said. 

“Of course, ang (the) focus namin tapusin muna natin itong (is to finish this) Season 79,” he later added.

Neither Molina nor Racela confirmed the development that the latter will take over head coaching duties for TNT KaTropa in the PBA, citing that the team itself has yet to make an official announcement.

It was reported this week by multiple media outlets that Racela, who led FEU to a UAAP title last year, will take over for Jong Uichico as TNT head coach.

“I don’t think there’s an official announcement already from Talk ’N Text. Siguro (I guess) let’s respect the Talk ’N Text organization,” Molina stated.

The sports director, however, said that it would be a “blessing” if confirmation of Racela taking over the popular PBA franchise arrives soon.

“It was always clear when Nash joined FEU that if an opportunity like this comes up, we will gladly accept his decision and support him 100%,” said Molina, who also added that, assuming it’s okay with Racela and the KaTropa, FEU still hopes to have the head coach playing a role for the team.

“If Nash gets the Talk ’N Text position, we will do everything in our power to still keep Nash Racela in the FEU organization in whatever capacity.”

No replacements yet

Molina also noted that the program is not yet thinking of potential replacements, hoping instead to focus on the current season where the defending champions are in second place with an 8-2 record.

“I think it’s unfair to the current team, it’s unfair to the coaching staff, if we are planning for next year already, based on the coaching staff,” said Molina.

Part of Racela’s FEU coaching crew are former PBA coach Eric Gonzales and Gilas coach Josh Reyes, the son of current national team head coach Chot Reyes.

“We have several members of our coaching staff who are to me very ready and qualified to be head coaches in the UAAP. So I don’t want to start any conversation right now. We will do it after the season,” said Molina. – Rappler.com