After a standout UAAP Season 87 Boys’ Basketball campaign with De La Salle Zobel, Kieffer Alas took a major step toward his NCAA Division I aspirations by committing to Layton Christian Academy in Utah, United States, for his senior year of high school last May.
Although he fell short of leading the Junior Archers to a Final Four berth, Alas’ individual brilliance was undeniable. He earned back-to-back UAAP Boys’ Mythical Team selections and capped off Season 87 as the league’s Most Valuable Player.
Now, the highly-touted guard is set to take his talents overseas, bringing with him the discipline honed in the UAAP and the La Salle system to one of the most competitive prep programs in the U.S.
With Alas slated to arrive in Utah by August, Tiebreaker Times spoke with Layton Christian Academy head coach Casey Stanley — a veteran coach with over 15 years of NCAA Division I coaching experience at schools such as Iona, Arkansas State, UNC-Wilmington, Minnesota, FIU, Louisville, and Seton Hall — about what lies ahead for the rising star.
Stanley shared that Alas will first undergo basic team training to build chemistry with his new teammates, followed by a rigorous six-week training circuit in mid-September, which includes exhibition games.
The Eagles’ official season tips off in November and runs through late February or early March.
EXPERIENCE IS KING
Alas first caught Stanley’s attention — as well as the rest of the Eagles’ coaching staff — through his impressive performances on the international stage.
He shone brightly in the 2023 FIBA Asia Under-16 tournament, averaging 15.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists en route to an All-Star Five selection. And although an ankle injury ruled him out of the FIBA U17 World Cup in 2024, Stanley was already convinced of his potential.
“Yeah, you know, he is such a big name in Asia and all over the world. When you’re in the space of high-level high school basketball and looking for guys to elevate your program, he’s obviously a name I was aware of,” Stanley told Tiebreaker Times.
“I have friends throughout Asia who tipped me off. They said, ‘Hey, this really talented kid is interested in coming to the States,’ and when I saw him, I knew he was a home run — he checks all the boxes.”
Alas’ all-around game, which saw him average 20.07 points, 11.14 rebounds, 4.93 assists, and 1.07 steals in his final UAAP season, left no doubt in Stanley’s mind about his readiness.
“What’s great about Kieffer is his ability to dribble, pass, and shoot. The game is moving toward a more positionless style, and that’s where Kieffer fits right in. He has good size, can shoot, get to the rim, make the right pass, and defend. He’ll thrive in our system,” Stanley explained.
“He’s one of the premier guards in his class coming over. He’s faced elite competition, played different styles — that’s what makes him really attractive. He’s a great fit for us.”
Before heading to the U.S., Alas is sharpening his game further by training with the Warwick Senators, a semi-professional club in Australia’s NBL1 West — another experience that boosted Stanley’s confidence in the young guard.
“That’s a home run because it shows his willingness to adapt. The game is different in the Philippines, Australia, and the U.S. It speaks volumes about his courage to step out of his comfort zone, compete, and grow,” Stanley said.
THE LONG ROAD TO NCAA DIVISION 1
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
For Alas, joining LCA isn’t just about improving his game — it’s about chasing a lifelong dream: earning an athletic scholarship and playing in the NCAA Division I.
Fortunately, he’s in the right place. LCA has sent 14 players to Division I schools over the past three years, and Stanley believes playing against top-tier talent daily will be vital to Alas’ development.
“We had four Division I kids last year, and I think some of the newcomers this year will be D1-bound too. We believe iron sharpens iron,” he said.
LCA also has a reputation for facing the best high school teams in the country. Just last season, they played 13 Top-100 ranked squads in their first 16 games — a grueling schedule that Stanley believes will challenge Alas and expose him to future NBA players and elite college talents.
“Not only will he be showcased to college coaches across the country, but he’ll also be pushed to his limits. He’ll go up against future NBA and high-major college players,” Stanley noted.
But Stanley emphasized that the toughest competition won’t be on the road — it will be within the team.
“He’s going to be challenged every day in practice. That’s where it starts. We’re super competitive, and that environment will prepare him for what’s next.”
DEFENSE, MINDSET, AND FAMILY
(C) Kieffer Alas
Known in the Philippines as a prolific scorer — highlighted by a career-high 37-point performance against Ateneo on March 2 — Alas has also shown scoring prowess on the international stage, averaging 18.4 points in FIBA events.
However, Stanley stressed that defense and mental toughness will be the biggest tests in Alas’ U.S. journey.
“At this level, everyone can score. What’s going to determine Kieffer’s success is his commitment to defense. That’s true for all international players. You need to be willing and able to get stops,” he emphasized.
Stanley also noted that Alas must embrace the mental challenges of adjusting to a new level, where he may not always be the best player on the court.
“He’s not going to dominate every time he steps on the floor — and that’s okay. What matters is his perseverance. Bad days happen. It’s about coming back the next day ready to compete,” he said.
“Everyone at this level has talent. The difference-makers are those who are mentally tough and willing to learn and work hard.”
Fortunately, Alas has a solid support system. A product of a basketball family, he can lean on his father, Louie Alas, currently an assistant coach at Ateneo, and his older brother Kevin Alas, a veteran in the PBA with NLEX.
“My favorite thing about Kieffer, beyond the skill, is that he comes from a basketball family that understands the game and is realistic about his growth. That kind of support system is invaluable,” Stanley shared.
With the foundation built in the UAAP, international experience under his belt, and an elite support system behind him, Kieffer Alas is ready to take the leap — chasing his NCAA dream, one practice at a time.
