Alas not in a hurry to replace Lee

MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine took a big step in preparing for the possible departure of its top playmaker Paul Lee after signing Kevin Alas, this year’s second overall pick, to a lucrative three-year deal Friday.

The former Letran backcourt star is set to receive Php 8.5 million spread over three years where he will get the rookie maximum monthly pay of Php 150,000 in his first year, Php 225,000 and Php 337,500 on the second and third year, respectively.

Guiao drafted Alas as insurance after Lee rocked Rain or Shine when he refused to sign a three-year maximum extension contract and made his wish to be traded known through his agent and former college coach Lawrence Chongson.

In case Lee bolts from the Elasto Painters camp, Alas is expected to fill in the big vacuum in Guiao’s backcourt rotation.

But Alas is in no hurry to replace Lee.

 “Siyempre si Paul Lee yun eh. Mahirap [kung sakali man na matuloy yun] pero ang iniisip ko nga hindi naman lang ako ang guard eh, andaming [magagaling guards] ang Rain or Shine na makakatulong sa akin para magampanan ko ang role ko sa team,” Alas told Philstar.com after he was drafted by Rain or Shine last Sunday. 

Kevin’s father Louie, who serves as assistant coach for the Alaska Aces, is proud of what his son has achieved so far but he gave him an advice to continue to put in the work and not rest on his laurels.

“Typical parent talagang very, very proud ako. If that [Lee trade] will happen, parang ang timing ang ganda. But it’s up to Kevin to live up to the expectations. It’s going to be a very tall order,” Louie said.

“Just keep on working, kung ano yung hardest effort na magagawa niya, he just needs to do that,” Alas added as a piece of advice to his son Kevin.

Kevin acknowledges the pressure that comes with the high-profile rookie tag but he is willing to turn that into motivation and work his way up in the pro ranks.

“Pressure sa akin since mataas ang expectation dahil sa no. 2 pick ako eh pero basta gagawin ko na lang kung ano ang ipapagawa ni coach Yeng (Guiao). Ibibigay ko lang ang best ko. Hindi naman ako naghahanap ng malaking playing time dahil rookie pa lang ako,” Alas said.

Alas is banking on his experience with the Gilas Pilipinas men’s national team as jumps to the pro league.

“Sanay naman na ako sa ganyang sitwasyon dahil sa Gilas nga, kaunti lang yung playing time ko pero ibibgay ko pa rin ang best ko at gagawin kung anong role ang ibigay sa akin,” the Gilas cadet player added.