Louie Alas himself is aware of the calls from netizens over social media suggesting that he declare himself to University of Santo Tomas, now that the school is searching for a new head coach.
“Ang dami. May mga nakalagay pa nga roon, ‘make it happen’ sa mga Facebook account nila — make it happen, Louie in UST,” the 56-year-old mentor shared to online program The Chasedown, Saturday.
The Growling Tigers are now on the lookout for a new mentor following the resignation of Aldin Ayo due to the ‘Bicol bubble’ controversy, which has put the program on the verge of a restart.
And some of the UST faithful mentioned Alas’ name online quickly after news came out that the veteran bench tactician and PBA ball club Phoenix Super LPG had gone their separate ways after three years.
Alas appreciates the sentiment, though. After all, college basketball, he said, is something he holds dear; the place to find what he calls “genuine basketball”.
It was also in college basketball that he established himself as a successful coach. Alas led Colegio de San Juan de Letran to three men’s basketball championships in the NCAA.
Then before handling the Knights, Alas called the shots for Las Piñas College. He took that job after coaching the Saint Francis of Assisi’s high school team, which he led to National Capital Region Athletic Association titles.
Yes, that St. Francis team that was bannered by surefire PBA Hall of Famers in Yancy and Ranidel De Ocampo.
“Ang college ball talagang malapit sa puso ko ‘yan.
“Nandiyan ‘yung genuine basketball na lahat ng players nagpapakamatay. Sabi nga nung mga old coaches, kahit patalunin mo sa seventh floor, tatalon ‘yang mga ‘yan,” said Alas.
But as flattered as he feels to see netizens nominate him, Alas said that he isn’t thinking about the position or his future yet. First, he wants to settle his issue with the Fuel Masters.
“At this point, ine-enjoy ko muna ‘yung pagka-fire sa’kin,” joked the outspoken coach, who joined the Dennis Uy-owned franchise back in October of 2017. “Kidding aside, gusto ko muna matapos ‘to.
“Hindi ko pa iniisip muna. Hindi ko pa iniisip muna. I just want to finish this, then saka na lang ako mag-iisip kung meron bang ano diyan, kung meron bang windows diyan whatsoever.”
