Alas top choice as UE Warriors’ new coach

Head coach Louie Alas. File photo by Celest R. Flores

MANILA, Philippines — A champion collegiate coach has emerged as one of the leading candidates to handle the University of the East men’s basketball team.

Louie Alas, who steered Letran to three NCAA championships, has become one of the top choices for the coaching spot following the surprise sacking of coach Boycie Zamar.

Team insiders said Alas’ stellar record with the Knights, whom he powered to the crown in 1998, 2003 and 2005, has given him the edge.

Alas, who mentored the Knights for over a decade, resigned from Letran in 2012 and now works as an assistant coach for the Alaska Aces in the PBA.

Alas has also won titles with the Philippine Patriots in the Asean Basketball League  in 2010, the Manila Metrostars in the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association  in 1999 and the national team in the 1999 Southeast Asian Games.

UE fired Zamar last Thursday, noting that the Warriors need a coach “who will handle the team full time, one without commitments to other teams.”

Aside from calling the shots for the Warriors in the UAAP, Zamar also mentors Cebuana Lhuillier in the PBA D-League and serves as deputy for San Miguel Beer in the PBA.

Other reported candidates are ex-PBA coach Derick Pumaren, former UE players Paul Artadi and Rob Labagala, and pro legend Robert Jaworski.

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