A father’s love

The roar of the crowd, the media attention, the approval of coaches all define the success of a young basketball player.

Yet, behind every single victory, there is someone whose dedication is as profound as it is unsung — his father. His love is not just a gentle encouragement; it is the unwavering foundation on which the young athlete’s dreams are built.

It was the father who tied the athlete’s tiny laces, patiently teaching him the basics of dribbling, shooting, and playing defense while juggling the challenges of putting food on the table. For him, it was not about creating a superstar or the huge savings on education once his son secures an athletic scholarship. It’s about love, support, guidance, and making his presence felt.

Take the case of this basketball father.

Basketball has been good to him and his family. In fact, he used to be a college star and was primed to make it big in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) when he suffered a serious knee injury that put a heartbreaking end to his budding career.

But he refused to let go of his basketball dream. Instead of fading into oblivion and completely forgetting about basketball, the father ventured into coaching, knowing that it was the only way he could provide for his growing family.

His determination and perseverance paid off as he won titles in almost all the leagues he worked in. SImply put, he became one of the most successful basketball coaches in the country.

But one day, he suffered a major setback: he was fired as head coach of his PBA team.

The sacking was truly painful. Aside from worrying about how to make ends meet for his family, he walked away with a bruised ego, knowing that it would be some time before he would get another golden opportunity to work in the PBA again.

Still, it didn’t break his spirit. With the PBA job in the rear view mirror, he focused his attention on his youngest son who was also dreaming of becoming the next basketball superstar.

As his son grew, so too did his commitment. He woke up early to drive his son to training and spent the night in cold arenas waiting for him to emerge from the team huddle following a hard fought game.

On weekends, he drove him to club leagues and spent considerable amounts for his equipment, personal coaching, and other basketball-related expenses.

Beyond logistical support, an athlete’s father offers a unique brand of emotional fortitude. He is the first to celebrate a small victory and the first to pick up the pieces every time his son suffers a crushing loss.

He understands the profound despair of a missed shot, a fumbled game winner, or a lost game, not just as a fan, but as someone who feels the sting through his child’s eyes.

He learns when to offer a consoling hug and when to provide a firm, yet loving push.

He teaches resilience, the often painful lesson that failure is not the end but a stepping stone, and that true character is forged in the face of adversity.

The bond is forged in shared experiences. The father becomes more than just a parent; he transforms into a mentor, a confidant, and sometimes even an unofficial coach.

He witnesses the brutal regimen, the aching muscles, the mental battles that precede physical prowess. He sees the dedication when no one else is watching — the extra drills, the disciplined diet, the solitary hours spent perfecting a craft. This intimate knowledge of his child’s effort creates an unparalleled empathy and pride.

Now, all the sacrifices of the father are paying off. In fact, the guidance, the love, and the support that he gave his son during his formative years has yielded tremendous success as his son will soon be playing in a top-ranked program in the United States on a basketball scholarship.

True enough, the love of a father is powerful. It can move mountains.

The father is multi-titled coach Louie Alas and his son is Kieffer — the top high school player in the country who is among the very few young basketball players destined for greatness.

Happy Father’s Day!