Nash Racela Keeps Adamson Grounded and Dangerous

Adamson Soaring Falcons Head Coach Nash Racela remains grounded after a momentum-boosting win over the De La Salle University Green Archers, keeping his attention locked on their next test against the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Sunday.

Coming off Wednesday’s victory, Coach Nash says the team’s energy is up, but their approach remains measured.

“Spirits are high of course because we won and we’re looking forward to that Sunday game against Ateneo. What this game gives us is another chance at the playoffs,” Racela said.

He acknowledges the challenge La Salle posed, but credits his players for stepping into their roles and pushing through the pressure to secure another crucial win.

“It was a hard game but again we welcome the victory today and we look forward to the Sunday game.”

Even with the emotion of beating the Archers, Racela stays true to a principle he repeats often: enjoy the moment, but only for a moment.

Just like after their win against UST, he keeps the boundaries clear.

Read our feature on Coach Nash from last year here.

“We always temper our emotions. Whether it’s good or it’s bad, you can’t have high or low emotions. That’s something we always preach to our players,” he shared.

“We remind them so that we can better prepare for the Sunday game.”

For him, celebrations have limits. Every win matters, but none should spill into the next grind. It is the same mindset they carried through their steady run against the Growling Tigers across both rounds.

“I reminded them to enjoy the victory, only up to 12 midnight. The important thing is really to be able to rest. It’s good that the game is still on Sunday, so we can give them a day’s rest and then practice twice before we play.”

One major adjustment made a clear impact: addressing La Salle’s Jacob Cortez, who hurt them in the first round.

“During the first round, Jacob dominated us especially in the endgame. So we made our adjustments today. I think we were successful because he only had five points. That really helped us. Our players did their part.”

Even after wins like against La Salle, Racela refuses to inflate their progress.

“Well, it doesn’t say anything. We still want to keep it low,” he said. “Yes, we beat them… but we’re still in the middle of the pack. We just have to shift again, focus on the next one.”

Being underestimated is nothing new to Adamson.

“Sanay na tayo dyan. Nobody really believes in us that much because we’re probably the least talented team,” Nash said.

Their whiteboard reminder remains the anchor: “Hard work and teamwork are greater than skill and talent.”

The Falcons are beginning to live by it.

He points out that players grow most through moments like this: tight games, adversity, and learning on the floor together.

“The best teacher is experience,” he said.

“When you play games, that’s when you realize. Especially today’s game, sana naniniwala na talaga sila. It’s the team above the self. Making the right plays, trusting the next guy.”

With another important win and a real chance to climb toward the playoffs, Racela hopes people start believing not in raw talent, but in the grit, humility, and collective heart that define this Adamson team.