ANTIPOLO – Twelve years after his rookie year, Kevin Alas found himself reunited with his former mentor in the PBA.
With Jimmy Alapag taking over at the coaching helm of NLEX, Alas again gets the chance to work with the PBA great who once guided him during his rookie year with TNT.
“He was my vet during my first conference. Coach Jimmy was my mentor back then,” recalled the now veteran guard.
READ: Alapag finds fulfillment teaching what he learned at Gilas, NBA
Alas was the no. 2 overall pick by Rain or Shine during the 2014 draf, but didn’t play for the Elasto Painters after being traded to NLEX for a 2015 first round pick.
And the proud product of Letran didn't play for the Road Warriors back then either as TNT made a move to land his services via a three-team trade that also involved Blackwater.
Alas came to the Tropang 5G on Alapag’s final conference with the franchise during the 2014-15 Philippine Cup where the team lost to the San Miguel Beermen during the semifinals.
Shortly after retiring, Alapag was appointed TNT team manager, assuring his continued guidance to Alas.
“After ng first conference, nag retire na siya. And then naging team manager, doon kami nag-champion,” recalled the son of champion coach Louie Alas and elder brother of rising star Kiefer about winning his first PBA title while under the guidance of the former league MVP turned coach.
Now he’s hoping to turn back the clock as the two of them get together under one team anew.
Alas immediately showed how comfortable he is playing under his mentor as he fired 19 points, three rebounds, and two assists to give his mentor a rousing coaching debut behind a 114-75 beating of guest team Macau Giant Pandas.
He shot 7-of-12 from the field including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” said Alas of the chance to be under Alapag again, who likewise served as his mentor with Gilas Pilipinas.
“Pagdating pa lang ni coach Jimmy nung Day 1, he’s trying to instill a culture sa team naming that we do things the right way, play things the right way,” he added.
“At the same time, he’s giving opportunities to everyone. And I guess it’s up to me and thr guys to maximize the opportunity being given by coach Jimmy. It’s going to be a long season but we’re excited to look forward to what is ahead.”
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