For the first-time in the four-year history of the NLEX Road Warriors, the team has reached the penultimate stage of a PBA Conference. And no one was happier than Kevin Alas, who has been with the franchise since 2015.
The 26-year-old combo guard proved to be pivotal in NLEX’s quarterfinals sweep of the Alaska Aces, averaging 17.5 points on 50 percent shooting to go along with 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.5 steals.
For him, his personal outing and the feat that the Road Warriors achieved were simply a result of their dedication to uplifting the once-struggling franchise.
“Parang ang tagal ko ng huling nakapag-semis, with TNT pa ako nun. Parang it’s an unfamiliar feeling for me now, di ko na matandaan yung feeling,” the 6-foot guard admitted after NLEX’s 87-83 win, Wednesday evening.
“Struggle ako start of the conference. Actually wala naman nagbago sa ginawa ko, siguro naging consistent lang ako sa pagiging… hard-working, ganyan. Naging consistent lang ako. I just had to be patient,” he furthered.
“Parang alam ko naman pagiging part ng basketball player may slumps, struggles, naging consistent lang.”
Already sentimental, the second generation cager could not help but feel for Alaska head coach Alex Compton.
Compton is close to the Alas household, as he used to play for Kevin’s dad Louie back in the 90’s in the Metropolitan Basketball Association.
“Parang 1999 pa ata yun. Buhat buhat pa ako ni coach Alex if I remember. Parang it’s a bittersweet feeling for me kasi parang dati I look up to him, then ngayon nakakalaban ko siya parati,” reflected Alas.
“Tinalo namin siya ngayon. Siyempre I’m happy for me and the team but im sad for him kasi he’s a great person, he’s a great guy.”
Even with his rollercoaster of emotions, Alas can’t wait to get back on the court come the semifinals, as they try to once again rewrite the franchise history of NLEX.
