MANILA, Philippines — For three straight games, Kevin Alas has been the most effective cog in NLEX’s machine.
Leading all of the Road Warriors’ locals in scoring since the beginning of the Governors’ Cup, Alas committed a crucial foul in the first overtime period with a foul against Rain or Shine’s Chris Tiu. But he immediately made up for it, scoring the game-tying basket to keep NLEX in contention—and their Governors’ Cup record unscathed.
“Coach called me out doon sa offensive foul,” Alas said. “Ang mindset ko is bumawi agad. Ayun I had to make a good pass, binalik sa akin yung bola, I saw the opportunity para maka-shoot. Thankfully naman nakabawi agad.”
The third-year Road Warrior ended up with 24 markers and 10 rebounds in that tight contest.“It’s a good thing na na-test ’yung character nung team. Two overtimes, nasubukan ’yung team. We have nothing to celebrate about it because it’s still early, pero it’s a good thing na we’re doing good now,” he said.
“I called him out for committing that stupid foul on the jump ball, but he made up for it on the next play,” mentor Yeng Guiao said of his ward Alas. “He’s a young player with maturity and consistency so far. I hope I don’t jinx it.”
But despite his stellar outing, the NLEX guard think he’s simply just that: a cog in a well-oiled machine.
“Siguro malaking bagay din sakin yung trades na nangyari. Dumating si Larry (Fonacier), si JR (Quinahan)—especially kay Larry naging vocal siya sa akin 'pag dating sa practice,” Alas noted.
“Sinasabi niya ‘hindi pwedeng tulad sa Talk N Text na kami yung magdadala sayo, dapat ikaw na ‘yung magdadala sa amin,’ parang ganun, sinasabihan niya lang ako lagi na kailangan mag-mature na ako at mag step in that leadership role,” the cager added.
NLEX is now enjoying a 3-0 start in the season-ending Governors’ Cup—the franchise’s best.
The Road Warriors have won five of their six last outings dating back to the last conference.
