Published October 9, 2025 1:46pm
Updated October 9, 2025 1:46pm
NCAA Season 101. JP Boral of the Perpetual ALTAs. (Photo: NCAA)
If Perpetual head coach Olsen Racela were to be asked, his veteran big man JP Boral is already primed for the next level, thanks to the versatility and maturity he continues to display for the ALTAs in NCAA Season 101.
From scoring down low to defending multiple positions and flexing his range, the graduating JP Boral has been doing it all for Perpetual, fueling the ALTAs’ surprising 3-0 start.
“Last year, he was playing three sa amin. This year, he’s playing four at nag-a-alternate sila ni John Abis and he understands his role,” Racela said.
“As a coach, I appreciate that. ‘Yung growth niya ang aming primary concern.”
Boral has been one of the key glue guys keeping Perpetual steady through their first three games, alongside transferee Patrick Sleat and sophomore standout Mark Gojo Cruz.
Against no less than defending champion Mapua University on Wednesday, the 6-foot-4 Boral put on a display of his much-improved game.
He tallied 15 points, including a clutch go-ahead three-pointer off a Patrick Sleat assist that gave the Las Piñas squad a 72-65 cushion with 1:50 remaining in the fourth quarter.
That dagger sealed the deal for the ALTAs and handed the Cardinals their first loss of the season — snapping a 14-game winning streak dating back to their second-round sweep last year and dominant semifinal and finals run.
“Now, people see he’s a very versatile player. He can play the three, he can play the four, he can defend the wing and he’s actually ready for the next level,” Racela added.
“Ngayon, na-develop niya ‘yung shooting niya. But marami pa rin kailangang i-improve si JP and I’m happy that he’s getting the opportunity last year and this year and he deserves it.”
For Boral, it all boils down to fully and humbly embracing whatever role the coaching staff entrusts him with. “Tinatanggap ko siya kahit mahirap sa akin na mag-transition sa isang position. Tinatanggap ko lang para makatulong sa team,” Boral said.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
