Kevin Alas turned to his biggest critic before joining PBA draft

MANILA, Philippines – No one knows incoming PBA freshman and former Gilas cadet member Kevin Alas more than his father, Louie, who also happens to be his son’s biggest critic.

That’s why before Kevin decided whether or not to declare for the 2014 PBA Draft, which takes place Sunday, August 24, the young star turned to his father for advice. 

“Ang daming factors eh. First, loyalty. Kasi sa MVP group daw, sobra yung treatment nila, napakaganda,” the elder Alas, who’s currently an assistant coach for the Alaska Aces, mentioned about his son in an interview during day one of the 2014 PBA Draft Combine at the Gatorade Hoops Center. 

(There were a lot of factors, actually. First, there’s loyalty. Because with the MVP group, their treatment’s really good.) 

“Then yung lagi niyang tinatanong, ‘Dad, ripe na ba ako for the pros?’ Ako naman, sabi ko, ‘Alam mo naman number one critic mo ako, diba? Sa ngayong kung ako nasa pwesto mo, magpapa-draft na ako. Pero just the same, kung ano ang komportable ka, ikaw ang mag-decide.'” 

(Kevin always asked, “Dad, am I ripe enough to play in the pros?” I told him, “You know I’m your biggest critic, right?” If I was in your position, I’d enter the draft. However, whatever you’re comfortable with, that’s what you decide.”) 

After hearing his father out, Kevin opted to join the draft, saying “Dad, punta na ako sa (PBA) tomorrow.” 

(Dad, I’ll join the PBA.) 

Coach Alas’ other son Jun-Jun, meanwhile, had already made his mind to join the draft: “Si Jun-Jun, matagal na talaga.” (Jun-Jun had already made his decision long ago) 

Alas was a star in the NCAA with the Letran Knights just two years ago, having averaged 20 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 4.2 APG in his final year before becoming an MVP in the PBA D-League and spending most of his time training with the Gilas national team program.

An all-around player who pundits expect to be a scorer at the least in the pros, the 6-foot-tall shooting guard is certain to be one of the top picks in the draft.

“Actually si Kevin ang madalas sabi niya, ‘Dad, sana Sunday na.’ Kasi araw-araw daw naiisip niya,” Added the elder Alas, who also served as his son’s head coach with Letran from 2011-2012. 

(Kevin always tells me, “Dad, I wish it was Sunday already. Because he’s been thinking about the draft every day.) 

The three-time champion coach in the collegiate ranks also said that though his son has not mentioned a team be prefers to be drafted by on Sunday, his father already has an idea which team Kevin would like to play for. 

“Actually ayaw niya nga magbigay nang team na gusto niya puntahan pero alam ko na rin yung iniisip niya eh,” according to the Alaska Aces assistant coach.

(Actually he doesn’t want to give a team he prefers to go to but I already know what’s on his mind.)

Nevertheless, regardless of where his sons lands, Coach Alas says that he will be thrilled for both of them, and the same can be said for the draftees’ mother, whose excitement cannot be contained.

“Ako nga yung excited eh. Pero siguro kung excited ako, yung mommy nila (Kevin and Jun-Jun) triple ang pagka-excited.”

(I’m actually the one who’s excited. But however excited I am, their mom is thrice as excited.) 

– with reports from Jane Bracher/Rappler.com