Phoenix lets go of Alas; Robinson takes over for now

The Phoenix franchise announced on Friday that it has fired Louie Alas, its head coach for the last two seasons.

“With the possibility of a PBA restart, the Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters have began discussions on its future plans. After much deliberation, management has decided to discontinue Mr. Louie Alas’ services as head coach,” the club said in a statement released on Friday.

Alas’ lead deputy, Topex Robinson, will be calling the shots on an interim basis.

Alas served a 15-day suspension that began on Aug. 27 for unintentionally breaching three of the league’s safety protocols for workout sessions during the coronavirus pandemic.

The former champion coach in the NCAA with Letran, who assumed the Phoenix job just before the 2017 season, compiled a 33-33 win-loss record for the franchise. Alas also steered the Fuelmasters to a franchise-best 9-2 card to secure the top seed of last year’s Philippine Cup.

Phoenix, for its part, said it is confident in Robinson’s capacity to lead the squad that features the likes of national team mainstay Matthew Wright and the still-suspended Calvin Abueva.

“We look forward to the Fuelmaster’s resurgence as one of the league’s most exciting contenders,” the statement also said.

Meanwhile, the PBA continued to deliberate on a best possible course for a restart, with its board of governors looking for the perfect place to resume its season for a restart.

The board is studying among several venue options that will house the 12 teams for a conference.