Alas laughs off ‘package deal’ rumors
When Louie Alas joined the coaching staff of Ateneo de Manila University, rumors swirled that his son — Kieffer — will follow shortly.
Alas has only one reply: A hearty laugh.
In a lengthy conversation with DAILY TRIBUNE, Alas asserted that his hiring as part of the coaching staff of the Blue Eagles had nothing to do with his son.
He said his 16-year-old son had already figured out what he wants to do with his career, which is to study senior high school in the United States with the hopes of landing an athletic scholarship in a Division I program.
If and when his plan of packing his bags for the United States doesn’t materialize, the young Alas will be returning to De La Salle Zobel to wrap up his high school career in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
“When they hired me, we never talked about Kieffer. Wala sa usapan yun,” Alas said in a telephone interview a day after his appointment as senior assistant coach of the Blue Eagles had been confirmed.
“Kieffer already has his plans figured out. First option is to study in the US. If it doesn’t materialize, he will return to Zobel to finish his last playing year in juniors. He will honor his commitment to Zobel even if I’m already at Ateneo.”
A seasoned and well-respected tactician who won titles as head coach of Manila Metrostars in the defunct Metropolitan Basketball League and Letran College in the National Collegiate Athletic Association as well as assistant coach of Purefoods and Alaska in the Philippine Basketball Association, the 60-year-old Alas seems like whom the doctor ordered for the Blue Eagles.
Ateneo team manager Epok Quimpo revealed that they brought in Alas because of the vast experience and winning mindset that he gained in his long years of collegiate and professional coaching.
But more than that, the Blue Eagles need Alas to help them with the recruitment and infuse “local flavor” into the system of Kiwi-American head coach Tab Baldwin.
“His main job is to provide local flavor and veteran experience to the coaching staff,” said Quimpo, adding that Alas already signed a three-year deal.
“Coach Louie is a veteran and wellrespected mentor. He can help us with the recruitment of some promising high school stars, especially now that a lot of our players are set to graduate.”
Alas said he is looking forward to a great working relationship with Baldwin.
After all, it was Baldwin who brought up his name when the Blue Eagles decided to boost their brain trust in a bid to regain the UAAP crown.
“The fact that it was Coach Tab who called and visited me to discuss this opportunity means a lot,” Alas said.
“I want to help Tab. He has been so good to me.”
But what about the possibility of him delivering his son to Ateneo?
“Well, it’s for him to decide,” Alas said.
“I will just lay down the offer. Whatever his decision will be, I will respect that.”
“Anyway, matagal pa yan. A lot of things can still happen.”