FILE – Kevin Alas. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Entering his seventh year in the PBA, Kevin Alas is in the stage of his career where he’s still considered as one of the league’s young stars while also getting the veteran treatment.
This somewhat crossroads of a scenario also brought in more responsibility for the 29-year-old as he’s also in the second year of his captaincy with the Road Warriors.
Alas said that he always saw himself as one of the young guns in his team but now he’s the one responsible for making sure his team is in check while also looking after the rookies like third overall selection Calvin Oftana.
“Of course it’s like a new feeling for me because I’m used to being the youngest or one of the younger ones in the team,” said Alas in Filipino. “But now I have bigger responsibilities as one of the older players, I’m already in my sixth year with NLEX, so I guess I can consider myself as a veteran.”
“As the team captain, I also have a bigger responsibility.”
Alas said that while he looks out for his team, he also makes sure to talk with Oftana.
The former Letran Knight sees a lot of potential on the incoming freshman after a stellar final season that saw the 6-foot-5 Oftana win the MVP award and make the NCAA finals.
“With Calvin, I’m always excited to see him in practice because he’s an impressive player,” said Alas. “He’s a long small forward who can also play the 4 and his style of play fits in perfectly with the system of coach Yeng (Guiao). He can shoot, can dribble, and of course, he’ll eventually become more mature.”
“It’s a good thing that he likes to listen to coaches and to the veterans.”
Alas added that while he is the captain of the team, there are other veterans who help in the leadership department.
Veterans Larry Fonacier and JR Quiñahan are vocal players and Gilas captain Kiefer Ravena is also there to pitch in.
“I don’t see myself as the only leader because Kief, JR, and Larry are there also and they’re natural leaders so we help each other,” said Alas. “But of course I also have a role of being a role model to the young players, I have to set by example and I cannot be lazy.”