Alas owns up to outburst
Ateneo de Manila University head coach Louie Alas apologized for his actions following the Blue Eagles’ 74-82 loss to University of the Philippines in Season 89 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament last Saturday.
In a statement released Tuesday, the 63-year-old mentor took responsibility for his outburst over Fighting Maroons forward Jacob Bayla’s late dunk as the clock wound down at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Alas was handed a two-game suspension for his actions and will miss Ateneo’s showdown with Adamson University Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Big Dome.
“I take full responsibility for my conduct and accept the consequences,” Alas said.
“I understand the disappointment my actions have caused, particularly among those who expect everyone representing Ateneo to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, respect and self-discipline. These are expectations I share and deeply respect.”
It marks Alas’ second suspension this season, having previously served a one-game ban in October after accumulating three technical infractions during Ateneo’s 76-83 loss to defending champion De La Salle University at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The former Letran College and Philippine Basketball Association mentor admitted that the incident prompted him to reflect on the example he sets for his players, stressing that leadership goes beyond preparing for and competing in games.
“I have always coached with passion and dedication, but I recognize that these must be guided by humility, respect, and self-control. I sincerely regret that my actions fell short of these values,” Alas said.
“I am grateful for the privilege of representing Ateneo and am committed to learning from this experience, becoming a better coach and mentor, and living up to the high standards the community rightly expects of me.”
His absence could prove costly for the Blue Eagles, who have only three games left in their elimination-round campaign.
Holding a 5-6 win-loss record, Ateneo needs to sweep its remaining assignments to keep its slim Final Four hopes alive, while also hoping for favorable results from the other contenders.
Alas vowed to learn from the incident and work toward regaining the trust of the Ateneo community.