RISING star Kieffer Alas is not wasting away time to get back on track and play on the court again.
The 17-year-old has begun his therapy and rehabilitation just days after suffering a sprained ACL prior to the start of the FIBA U-17 World Cup in Turkey.
Alas’ parents, champion coach Louie and mother Liza, arrived in the capital city of Istanbul on Saturday to be with their injured son as the medical team of the Gilas Youth squad kicked off the young cager's recovery program.
“Almost twice a day ang therapy and rehab niya here. Very thankful ako sobrang alaga nila kay Kieff,” the elder Alas said, noting how team doctor Gabe Zezatase and physical therapist Chi Mawis have been very attentive to the needs of the main man of the Batang Gilas.
“That’s the new protocol sa mga injuries. Limited activation para ma-stale at good ang blood circulation,” added the fiery coach who's currently coaching the Zamboanga Master Sardines in the MPBL and is also one of Tab Baldwin’s deputies at Ateneo.
One Tough Cookie
Alas went down with the injury during the team’s tune-up game against Canada, or about two days before the World Cup kicked off.
According to the MRI, his left ACL is intact, but he suffered a sprain in that area that eventually kept him out for the entire tournament proper.
A member of the Mythical Team in last year’s FIBA U-16 Asian Cup, Alas’ presence was badly felt in the national team’s opening game as it lost to Lithuania, 107-48.
Coach Louie felt bad for the injury suffered by his youngest playing son, who became emotional after learning he won’t be able to play for the team.
“Pagdating namin, sinundo ko agad. Just two minutes away yung hotel namin sa FIBA hotel. And yun, iyak ng iyak yung bata. Gustung-gusto niya talaga na maglaro,” said the Alas patriarch.
Good thing, it didn’t take long for Kieffer to be out of the court.
In contact with renowned orthopedic Jose Raul Canlas, a close friend of the Alas family, the Batang Gilas medical team has done away with having Kieffer wear a walking boot in order to mobilize the injured leg.
Also part of his rehab is shooting some basketball on the court.
“Limited bending (lang), para di mobilize ang ligaments,” said coach Louie.
As per estimate, the younger brother of NLEX guard and fellow national team player Kevin Alas will be out for at least three to four weeks.
Nonetheless, coach Louie expects his so to comeback stronger and an even better player.
“Knowing that kid, he’ll come back stronger."
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