A YEAR in the United States only to return home? For Kieffer Alas, that was never a step back.
It was his next mindful move.
The UAAP Boys’ MVP made it clear: going back to the Philippines wasn’t a fallback. It was a decision —deliberate, discussed, and rooted in what’s best for his growth.
“I contemplated the decision with my family. My main dream is to play pro,” Alas shared in a small media gathering arranged by VP Global Management on Thursday.
“In Ateneo, there’s more opportunity, more playing time for my growth as a player and as a person.”
After brief stints with Layton in California and Utah Prep, the 18-year-old standout is choosing something different, something closer to home, but no less ambitious.
Alas ng Ateneo
Alas arrives at Ateneo with perspective.
After years of wearing green, he now steps into blue with a sense of purpose.
“I have something to prove to the Philippines, because there are already a lot of people that doubted.”
And he’s not easing into it.
With the Blue Eagles eyeing a Final Four return, Alas is embracing expectations early.
“I want to prove that I’m not your typical freshman. You can’t just push me over. I want to show that I’m like a veteran player —from my experience abroad,” he said. “My main goal right now is to win the championship with Ateneo. I’m focused on bringing Ateneo back to its glory days.”
The biggest takeaway from his time in the US wasn’t just competition, it was mentality.
Alas learned how to play without the spotlight.
“I’m not always going to be 'the' guy. I’ve learned that from being a role player in the US,” he said. “I am now capable of playing as the main scorer and the role player. I can do both.”
That adaptability, he believes, is what separates him now.
“Just being around future NBA players, people who can dunk and do everything, that contributed to my growth as well, so I can bring it over to the Philippines.”
It didn’t take long to see glimpses of that promise.
After just a day of training with Ateneo, Alas dropped 16 points in a tune-up game against Adamson last Wednesday. An early sign of how quickly he can fit in.
Especially alongside Jared Bahay.
“We’ve been talking since 2021. The fact that we already have chemistry is going to be a big help in our adjustment,” Alas said. “Our backcourt would be a big help for the team.”
His return also comes down to one figure: head coach Tab Baldwin.
Alas didn’t hold back.
“I’m just going to do what Coach Tab says. He’s pretty much the GOAT of Philippine coaches,” he said. “He went to the US a couple of times just to see me, laid out what he wants to do with me, what he sees in me, and what I can do in the future.”
That level of intent mattered. It helped bring him home.
Now, with Ateneo-La Salle storylines looming, that inlcudes a potential showdown with Jacob Cortez.
And he’s not shying away from it.
“Honestly, pressure is a privilege. Not everyone gets this type of pressure,” he said. “I take it in a good way that people are pressuring me. I really enjoy it.”
For Alas, the return came with his arrival.
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