Cager Olsen Racela retires after 18 years in basketball
By Patricia Bermudez-Hizon
For Yahoo! Southeast Asia
No one in the San Miguel franchise would ever don jersey number 17 after this conference. It's an honor that's bestowed on Olsen Racela who is playing his final games in the PBA after a celebrated 18 year career. "I would never ever play for another team apart from San Miguel," Racela said.
Racela was given a tribute before game 3 of the All Filipino finals and he took the opportunity to thank those who made left an imprint in his career.
"I'm just fortunate na hanggang ngayong naglalaro ako and I'm going to end my career with San Miguel", shared Racela on center court. He then went on to thank the driving forces behind the team, Mr. Danding Cojuangco, Mr. Ramon Ang, and Mr. Robert Non.
Racela also expressed gratitude for the coaches that helped shaped his career. "From Coach Chot Reyeshanggang kay Coach Ato Agustin. Coach Tim Cone, whom I played for in the national team. Of course, Coach Siot Tanquincen and Coach Jong Uichico. We've won so many championships together, and may memorable setbacks also, but it was all worth it. Thank you for the trust coach Jong," he said.
He added: "Of course, special mention to my mentor coach Ron Jacobs. I wouldn't be the player or the person that I am today if it wasn't for Coach Ron." Coach Jacobs took notice of his potential and shaped Racela's young career.
He thanked his mother, and brother Nash and Wally and their families. And standing at the side lines, proudly holding up his name, were his sons Rara, Rafa and daughter Raya with his lovely wife Melissa. He addressed them and said, "You are my inspiration, you're the reason why I've been playing this long."
To his relatives, friends, his long time sponsor Nike, SMB fans, and PBA fans, Racela said, "Salamat sa labing walong taon ng pag suppota n'yo sa akin, kahit papano naging bahagi ako ng buhay n'yo."
He was teary eyed when he thanked his number 1 critic, and number 1 fan, Cesar Racela: "I love you and I hope I make you proud."
Racela also was grateful to his team mates, past and present, and gave a special mention to Danny Ildefonso and Danny Seigle whom he "played with for the longest time."
What he said after that was what livened up the spirits of the team. "Let's make one more run and it starts tonight. I want to end my career with a championship with your help," he quipped.
Racela started the fire! San Miguel went on to win game 3.
