Kieffer Alas is set to return home and banner Phenom-New Zealand Bluefire in the 2026 Smart NBTC National Finals, determined to finish what the squad started a year ago.
Fresh off a one-season stint at Utah Prep Academy in the United States, Alas brings with him valuable international experience as he reunites with Phenom, which will represent Pasay City in the prestigious high school tournament.
The mission is clear: redemption.
Last year, the Anton Brodett-founded club fell just short of the crown, absorbing a heartbreaking 64-59 defeat to Fil-Am Nation in the championship game.
Now, with Alas in tow, Phenom hopes to turn that pain into fuel.
Alas will be sharing the floor with Bonn Daja once more before eventually heading their separate ways in college, giving Phenom a formidable one-two punch in the backcourt.
But Phenom’s bid goes beyond its headline names.
Completing the squad are Arle Podador (6’0), Brandon Yutuc (6’5), Elijah Williams (6’2), Joaquin Wagan (5’11), Justin Buenaventura (5’11), Champ Arejola (5’11), Bonel Sacro (6’2), Ram Sharma (6’5), Bill Gravador (6’1), Drei Lorenzo (6’5), Carlo Ynot (5’11), Jude Miguel Javier (6’4), Kean Carlo Dungca (6’4), and Kurt Velasquez (6’0) — a mix of length, versatility, and scoring punch built to withstand the grind of the nationals.
Guiding the team is head coach Mike Buendia, with a deep and experienced bench behind him in assistants Gie Ng, Oliver Bunyi, John Pelotos, Joseph Gabriel, Ren Noriega, Anton Escolin, Hyram Bagatsing, Chris Miller, Jeremiah Gray, and Bong Solian.
