With his stint in the United States in full swing, Kieffer Alas is doubtful to return to the country this March to see action in the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) National Finals.
Alas’ father, Louie, told DAILY TRIBUNE that his son’s decision to make a return to suit up for the Phenom Bluefire in the NBTC National Finals depends on his schedule with Utah Prep Academy.
Alas made a strong impression for Utah Prep, dropping 34 points with 10 three-pointers over the weekend. In a social media post on Wednesday, the school formally rolled out the red carpet for him and other recruits, saying that it is glad to have them in its basketball program.
“Each student represents trust from a family and another responsibility to do things the right way,” said Utah Prep, which is being handled by former TNT Tropang 5G mentor Mark Dickel.
“Utah Prep is not about shortcuts or quick wins. It’s about building something that lasts, honoring where our students come from, and preparing them for where they are going.”
Louie stressed that the grueling schedule at Utah Prep makes it harder for them to commit to NBTC.
“Hopefully, there won’t be any conflict. We also want him to play there but we can’t control the schedule,” the elder Alas, an assistant coach at Ateneo de Manila University, said.
“Utah Prep joins a lot of leagues. They play more than 30 games, I think.”
Before packing his bags for abroad, Alas suffered heartbreaks in the NBTC.
First, his squad, Team Hustle, lost to Team Heart of San Sebastian College star Mark Esperanza, 94-95 in the NBTC All-Star Game. Then, his Phenom Bluefire bowed to Fil-Am Nation in the championship round of the National Finals, 59-64.
Since then, the 18-year-old Alas moved to Australia to train with the Warwick Senators in the National Basketball League before committing to Layton Christian Academy under head coach Casey Stanley.
Now, he is with Utah Prep that is being handled by Dickel — the former player of Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin at the New Zealand national squad.
The elder Alas said they will assess everything once his season with Utah Prep ends in May.
“We don’t know yet because he will check the situation. So, you will know after his graduation,” Louie said.