Alas gets Compton’s blessing before making final decision

The chance of handling another PBA team after a 17-year hiatus is what prompted Louie Alas to accept the job as new head coach of the Phoenix Fuel Masters next season.

Alas, who spent the last few years as an assistant with Alaska, didn’t hesi- tate accepting the role after getting help from Aces coach and good friend Alex Compton in reaching out to team owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu.

“I’m very, very, interested,” said Alas after sharing his phone conversation two weeks ago with Compton. “I told coach Alex that Phoenix Fuel called me, sabi ko na baka hindi na dumating pa uli itong opportunity.”

“That’s why I’m very thankful kay coach Alex kasi siya yung nakipag-usap sa management ng Alaska. Ang sabi din niya, ‘I hate to coach against you, but I will not let this opportunity na mawala sayo’,” added Alas, who was released by Uytengsu from his remaining two-year contract that paved the way for his entry with the Fuel Masters.

He will replace his former assistant Ariel Vanguardia for his first head coaching role since a two-year stint with the Mobiline/Talk ‘N Text Phone Pals from 2000 to 2001.

The 54-year-old Alas plans to take advantage of this new position before he and his wife Liza, an associate front office manager at New World Hotel in Makati City, retire from their respective jobs.