Racela hopes to surpass others in most games played list

Olsen Racela, the oldest active player in the Philippine Basketball Association today, is showing no signs of slowing down.

The veteran San Miguel Beer guard said he’s bound to play more games to surpass fellow cage greats in the all-time list of games played. “About three or four years ago, people asked me when should I retire. But as long as I’m healthy, I will continue competing. On top of being called a champion player, I want to be remembered as a hardworking player who was a perfect example of discipline and dedication," said Racela. The durable veteran playmaker has achieved yet another PBA milestone when he surpassed four-time most valuable player Alvin Patrimonio and bull strong forward Nelson Asaytono in seventh and eighth spots in the all-time list of most games played. After playing 56 of the 57 games the previous season, the 5-foot-10 former Ateneo Blue Eagle has garnered 862 total games in 16 seasons in the PBA, surpassing the man called as The Captain. Taking over the No. 5 spot in the all-time list for most number of games won’t be a far-fetched reality for Racela. He needs only 10 games to get past Defense Minister Jerry Codinera and Bicolano Superman Yoyoy Villamin who are tied in fifth to sixth places. Racela signed a one-year contract extension with the Beermen, the winningest ball club in the PBA, and signs are very encouraging that he could enter the Top 5 in the 2009-2010 season. “I’m thankful that I’m almost free of injury in my entire career. It’s a tribute to the discipline I’m giving myself. Hindi ako nagiging overweight because you’ll be prone to injury once you become overweight," said the two-time member National team member that saw action for the all-pro national squad to the Asian Games. Racela was a key instrument in the Beermen’s 4-3 victory over the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in the recent Fiesta Conference best-of-seven series finals. It was the Beermen’s 18th league title. “I was truly blessed I have accomplished so many things," said Racela. “Imagine, at my age, I was delegated to guard the PBA MVP (Jayjay Helterbrand). That’s not an easy thing to do." Those players ahead of Racela in the all-time list saw action in the league for 20 or more seasons. The legendary Robert Jaworski saw action in 23 seasons and played a total of 958 games to wind up in the No.3 all-time list. Abet Guidaben, who played for 21 seasons, led the list with 1,081 games followed by Ramon Fernandez with 1,074. Racela has won nine PBA championships on top of his individual accolades. – GMANews.TV