New Phoenix Fuel Masters coach Louie Alas couldn’t be prouder of his son Kevin when he made it to the roster of the Philippine national men’s basketball team in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
After all, playing for the national team was once the dream of the older Alas during his playing days.
He had been considered in the past but had to fight for spots along with more established guards like Ronnie Magsanoc, Eric Altamirano and Dindo Pumaren in the 1990s.
“Siguro talagang mas magaling sila sa akin,” Alas told InterAksyon.
Alas’ career was then cut short by an ACL injury, forcing him to quit playing and try his luck in the coaching scene.
For the veteran coach, Kevin being selected in by Gilas Pilipinas was a testament to how the NLEX Road Warriors has improved through the years.
“We have a family Viber group. When news was announced that Kevin was included in the 12-man roster, we talked through video chat. My wife was in the office, tapos ako naman, nasa ensayo. We’re so proud of him.I cannot hide the fulfillment I have as a dad seeing my son being included in the national team. It goes to show that Kevin has also evolved as a better basketball player,” said Alas who couldn’t help but reminisce the days when he coached his son at Letran.
“Dati, when he was playing for me at Letran, I was able to bring his good side in basketball. Lahat ng pinagagawa ko, nagagawa naman niya. Madalas nga sabihin kay Kevin, ah wala hanggang dyan na lang yan kasi kaya naman ganyan dahil anak yan ni Coach Louie.
“But as soon as ma-tap siya sa Gilas a few years ago, doon ko nakita na may ilalabas pa palang galing si Kevin and nakita ko yun last conference under Coach Yeng (Guiao) and also with Gilas under Coach Chot (Reyes). I cannot hide my happiness. My son is now playing for the national team, which is the highest calling in basketball. Hindi ko man nagawa lahat ng ito before, nagagawa naman ng anak ko.”
