Another Alas makes his mark

Kieffer Alas and the rest of Gilas Pilipinas Boys celebrate their big win over Japan in the Fiba U16 Asian Championship in Doha, Qatar.–FIBA PHOTO

As a young kid, Kiefer Alas used to be a fixture on the sidelines whenever his dad and older brothers were trying to pull off victories for Letran in the NCAA.

That same kid who used to roam around the venue wearing a miniature Knights jersey and would tag along with coach Louie Alas during postgame interviews is now a 16-year-old teenager who led the Philippines back to the Fiba (International Basketball Federation)U-17 World Cup on Friday.

Alas played a starring role in Batang Gilas’ 64-59 comeback victory over Japan in the quarterfinals of the Fiba U-16 Asian Championship in Doha, Qatar, scoring 29 points while grabbing nine rebounds.

“Growing up in a basketball family, he has always dreamt of playing for the national team,” Kevin Alas, who could also don the Philippine jersey in the Asian Games, said of his younger brother.

—INQUIRER SPORTS STAFF