Kieffer leaves HS with grateful heart

Kieffer Alas’ heart is overflowing with gratitude after essaying the final chapter of his high school career.

In a social media post, the 19-year-old playmaker stressed how thankful he is for all the opportunities, heartbreaks and lessons he gained that shaped him both on and off the court.

Alas’ high school stint was truly colorful.

Despite failing to lead De La Salle Santiago Zobel to a title in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), the youngest son of former Philippine Basketball Association head coach Louie Alas still made history, emerging as the league’s first-ever Most Valuable Player from a non-Final Four squad.

He transferred to Layton Christian Academy in Utah with the hopes of landing a spot in a Division I program in the US National Collegiate Athletic Association.

But it wasn’t meant to be.

After several weeks, Alas transferred to Utah Prep Academy, which is being handled by former TNT Tropang Giga mentor Mark Dickel.

Alas made an instant impact, dropping 34 points with 10 three-pointers right in his very first game. He sustained his momentum until his graduation but an offer from an elite college program in the US remained very elusive.

With that, he decided to return to Manila to join Ateneo de Manila University, a move that will not only resume his UAAP career but will also put him on the same team with his father.

Alas said not everything went according to plan but he is still thankful on how his high school career eventually panned out.

“Can’t believe my high school career is over,” said Alas, moments after wrapping up his stint with Phenom-New Zealand Bluefire in the NBTC National Finals on Sunday.

“I went from being the youngest everywhere I played to being one of the kuyas others look up to. I didn’t realize how much this journey meant to me until it ended, how much it shaped me on and off the court.”

Alas is expected to be a force to be reckoned with at Ateneo.

Aside from having very little adjustment due to the presence of his father in Tab Baldwin’s coaching staff, Alas will also get to play with his high school friends like former teammates Wakee Espina and Jared Bahay as he helps the Blue Eagles regain the title they last held in Season 85 in 2022.

Alas said he is excited for what the future holds.

“Bittersweet, but I’m beyond thankful,” he added.

“This is just the beginning.”