Louie Alas says coaching Ateneo would be an honor

MANILA, Philippines – After spending the last 3 years with Bo Perasol calling the shots, the Ateneo Blue Eagles are now searching for new leadership at their head coach position.

Sources tell Rappler many names are being considered to take the spot, such as team assistant coach Ronnie Magsanoc, Olsen Racela, and even former Blue Eagles coach Norman Black, who led the team to 5 straight championships from 2008-2012.

Another name being mentioned is Louie Alas, who’s no stranger to the college basketball field, having led the Letran Knights in the NCAA to 3 titles and 5 finals appearances.

Alas, who’s currently an assistant coach for the Alaska Aces under Alex Compton, said that he hasn’t applied to be a coach anywhere, although did say there have been “feelers” without specifying where they’ve come from.

“Actually I’m not applying, but college coaching is my passion because I want to teach. So if the offer comes, I’ll entertain it,” Alas told Rappler in Filipino on Friday, November 27.

“Just feelers so far. There’s been no formal offer.”

When asked how much he would like the opportunity to coach Ateneo, Alas, 52, did not shy away from gushing over the prospect.

“Wow. That’s a coach’s dream, Ateneo, because it’s like, in the [United] States, you’re coaching Duke, right? It would be an honor.”

Duke basketball, coached by Team USA mentor Mike Krzyzewski, has 5 US NCAA national titles and has produced multiple successful NBA players.

In comparison, the Ateneo Blue Eagles have 8 UAAP titles and 14 PH NCAA titles. 

Although Alas has been prosperous as an assistant coach for the Aces, who are PBA title contenders and have made the finals in two of the past 3 conferences, he says college basketball is really where he feels he’s at his best.

“I’m really the type of coach who wants to keep teaching,” said Alas, who’s been coaching since 1998. “You can really see with the kids that it’s genuine they want to learn.” – Rappler.com