KIEFFER Alas avoided a serious injury when it was determined that his left ACL is intact following an MRI.
Alas was ruled out of the FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup after getting injured during Gilas Pilipinas Youth’s tune-up game against Canada.
The Alas family released a statement on Friday where they revealed that the setback won’t keep the 17-year-old out for a lengthy period.
“Kieffer sprained his left knee during the tune-up game against Canada. Thus, with a heavy heart, Kieffer will miss the U17 FIBA World Cup. We praise God that his ACL remained intact and strong,” said the family.
Head coach Josh Reyes, meanwhile, said Alas will be able to recover sooner rather than later.
“On initial examination by our team doctor, he had a functionally stable knee and the official result of his MRI determined Kieffer has a sprained ACL. His knee is swollen and he’ll be out for three weeks. We will be monitoring his situation closely,” he said.
'Kieffer will continue to recover'
The younger brother of NLEX player Kevin Alas and son of coach Louie Alas is one of the most promising players in the country after being named to the Mythical Five of the FIBA Under-16 Asian Cup last year when he averaged 15.6 points and 8.6 rebounds.
Alas was also part of the Mythical Five in the UAAP Season 86 juniors basketball tournament last year, and was ranked No. 2 under-19 player in the Philippines according to the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC).
“Kieffer will continue to recover and strengthen his knee in order to be back stronger than ever. We deeply appreciate all the prayers, love, and concern,” the Alas family said.
De La Salle Zobel teammate Champ Arejola has already taken the spot of Alas, ensuring that Gilas Youth will be in action with 12 players in the U17 World Cup opener against Lithuania on Saturday in Istanbul.
“We have to move forward and quickly figure out how to play without him,” Reyes said ahead of their contest.
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