De La Salle University is plotting a recruiting coup as it is exploring the possibility of tapping seasoned mentor Louie Alas as its head coach in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men's basketball tournament.
According to Daily Tribune sources, the 59-year-old Alas has an inside track in the coveted position as his track record perfectly suits the Green Archers, who fell short of making the Final Four of Season 85 last month.
Aside from Alas, the Green Archers have also shortlisted La Salle women's team coach Cholo Villanueva and Phoenix Super LPG mentor Topex Robinson, whose contract with the Fuel Masters had already expired last month.
"Coach Louie has an inside track," said the source, adding that Alas had already submitted his credentials to the La Salle management.
If ever, Alas will have big shoes to fill.
Despite winning the Philippine Basketball Association D-League title, the Green Archers under veteran mentor Derrick Pumaren struggled in Season 85 as star playmaker Schonny Winston struggled with injury in the crucial stretch of the tournament.
The Green Archers' campaign ended in a disaster as they suffered an 80-76 loss to Adamson University for the last spot in the semifinals.
Alas could be a perfect fit for the La Salle coaching role.
He led the Knights to five NCAA finals appearances in which they won the titles in 1998, 2003 and 2005 starring a group of role players and defense-minded stalwarts.
Prior to that, he coached an all-amateur national team to the gold medal of the Southeast Asian Games in Brunei in 1999 and helped the Manila Metrostars clinch the Metropolitan Basketball Association title.
Alas was also the genius behind the conquest of the Philippine Patriots in the inaugural staging of the Asean Basketball League in 2010 while serving as part of the coaching staff of the Purefoods that won the PBA All-Filipino Conference title in 1997 and Alaska that claimed the Commissioner's Cup crown in 2013.
He also coached Mobiline for three seasons and led Phoenix to the playoffs.
The source stressed that La Salle is expected to make an announcement in the coming days.