FILE – NLEX guard Kevin Alas during a game against Blackwater. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—NLEX will have more NCAA blood in the upcoming 48th Season of the PBA. and star guard Kevin Alas can’t wait to see how it works out for the Road Warriors.
During the league’s Media Day, Alas, who’s coming off a gold medal run with Gilas Pilipinas in the Hangzhou Asian Games, bared that he started practicing with the Road Warriors’ newest cagers last week.
“Actually, I started practicing for a week with NLEX already. I’ve also talked to Richie Rodger and Enoch Valdez and of course, I gave them some tips,” said the former Letran standout.
“I hope to spend more time with them because to be honest, I don’t really know them much outside basketball and of course, I hope they can help us this coming season.”
While Rodger is the name to watch, considering he was selected in the first round, Alas gave more emphasis to his fellow NCAA product, Valdez.
Valdez, who’s currently playing his final year with Lyceum in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament, was chosen by the Road Warriors in the second round with the sixth pick.
Lyceum’s Enoch Valdez soars for a layup against the Arellano Chiefs. –NCAA Photo
With the athletic guard showing up in the NCAA, the Pirates are currently in third place with a 7-3 record.
“I’m hoping that he’ll be given an opportunity to play for us right away because I’m really happy seeing that kid. He’s very persevered and when you talk to him, he’s really coachable. That’s one good trait about Enoch,” said Alas, who’s also a revered Letran product.
“I really hope that he’ll be given a chance for us because for me, his upside is very high,” he added.
Valdez is averaging 14.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.0 steals per game for the Pirates.
With the NCAA still ongoing, Valdez won’t be able to suit up for NLEX right away in the Road Warriors’ season opener against Phoenix on November 10 at Araneta Coliseum.