Alas, Eagles try to pick up the pieces

MANILA, Philippines — It’s all eyes now on interim head coach Louie Alas with a tall order to steady the ship for the sunken Ateneo men’s basketball program on the heels of the tragic drowning of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili in Dipaculao, Aurora last June 8.

With the UAAP’s perpetual ban on Tab Baldwin and the suspension of eight staff members, Alas is ready to be the man in charge for a new era in Katipunan.

“It’s still an interim role. We’re still coping and trying to catch up,” Alas told The STAR as Ateneo tries to pick up the pieces of embattled program.

While his role is not permanent yet, Alas’ mettle will be tested way before the UAAP as the Blue Eagles earned a wildcard ticket as the No. 21 seed in the PinoyLiga Big Dance.

Alas’ first order of business is a game against Our Lady of Fatima Phoenix in Round 1 of the 28-team PinoyLiga field that fires on Aug. 16 at the Blue Eagle Gym, hoping to make a good start for what’s left of the Ateneo team led by his own son and upcoming rookie Kieffer.

“We had no basketball action for more than a month. We’re on our third week now since coming back but there’s still a lot of things to tackle,” said the former PBA and NCAA champion mentor, who tapped the services of his former Letran Knights RJ Jazul and Kerby Raymundo as assistant coaches.

Seasoned deputies Gene Afable and Bacon Austria are also on board with former deputy Nico Salva, a five-time UAAP champion with the Blue Eagles, serving as interim team manager.