Another World Cup tragedy for Gilas Pilipinas Boys.
Kieffer Alas has been ruled out of the FIBA Under-17 World Cup 2024 after suffering an ankle injury during one of the Philippines’ tune-up games.
Head coach Josh Reyes confirmed this development to Tiebreaker Times.
Alas and Gilas were leading by seven points during the second quarter of their friendly against the Young Road Warriors before disaster struck.
The 6-foot-2 winger from De La Salle-Zobel went for a drive but could not get a proper lift-off. He clutched his left knee, languishing in pain.
He did not return to the friendly.
The extent of the injury is still unknown.
(C) FIBA.basketball
Alas was seen as the focal point of the Philippines, especially after averaging 15.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists during the Asian Championship a year ago.
Now, players like Edryn Morales, Bonn Daja, Kurt Velasquez, and Wacky Ludovice will need to step up for the team.
Replacing Alas in the roster is Champ Arejola, also from De La Salle-Zobel.
The injury recalls the time AJ Edu suffered an ACL tear during Gilas Boys’ first game in the 2019 Under-19 World Cup.
In the group stages, Gilas will face Lithuania on Saturday, Spain on Sunday, and Puerto Rico on Monday.
