BY GWEN BERGADO
WITNESSING the nation's top under-19 players at the NBTC is perfect window into the exciting future of Philippine basketball.
One of the watchful eyes present at the six-day course of the National Finals is three-time NBA champion and former NBA coach of the year in Byron Scott who coached Fil-Am Nation Select for the tournament.
Scott's Fil-Am Nation retained the NBTC crown after outlasting Phenom Bluefire, 64-59, in the finals but not lost on him was Phenom's star guard in the country's top-ranked high school player in Kieffer Alas.
READ: Kieffer Alas eyes NCAA move as he plans next steps of career
He was so impressed with Alas that he compared him to current Lakers star Luka Doncic, at least when it comes to his deceptive ways when it comes to breaking down his defenders.
“He almost has a Luka Doncic type of style, where he just, you don’t think he’s not gonna get by you, but he gets by you,” the 64-year-old coach said of Alas.
“He has a very good tempo with his movement."
The 18-year-old certainly made a good account of himself against Scott's Fil-Nation as he finished with 20 points, two boards and two assists in the loss.
“He is probably the one that impressed me the most,” the 14-year NBA pro said.
But Alas is just part of what Scott calls as a 'revolution of basketball.'
The 14-year NBA veteran likes the physicality and the IQ of the young players in the country, and credited the coaches for building a proper culture
“The players, the coaches, the culture’s about right now, they continue to get better," Scott said.
“The thing that I love about Filipino basketball is that how hard they play,”
Scott also expects that in the coming years, Filipino basketball will banner more talented players like Alas.
“The revolution of basketball will continue to grow and change, you gotta be willing to be a part,” he said.
Alas keeps plans close to chest
Despite falling short in his title bid anew, Alas savors his first NBTC finals appearance with the wildcard team representing Pasay City.
“At least may progress pa rin, naka-finals ako,” the UAAP Season 87 MVP exclaimed.
"On to the next, on to the next."
Just what exactly is 'next' for Kieffer? One more year for La Salle? A move to the states? Only the second-generation baller knows.
“Wait for the announcement,” he shyly said.
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