MANILA, Philippines – Louie Alas and Topex Robinson were supposed to be under contract with Alaska Milk as assistant coaches until 2019, but the Aces ball club management allowed their release and advancement of their coaching career.
And with their transfer to Phoenix Petroleum, Alaska team manager Dickie Bachmann promoted Jeffrey Cariaso to being the team’s first assistant coach.
“Yes they do have contracts until 2019. It would be up to the management if we allow them to transfer which we did,” said Bachmann as to the release of Alas and Robinson.
Meanwhile, Alas is bringing two former staff members in Letran as he assumes the head coaching position at Phoenix Petroleum in lieu of Ariel Vanguardia.
Alas has tapped in Mel Alas and Kris Reyes to compose his think tank along with Robinson and holdover assistant coach Nic Belasco.
“I’m also talking to one veteran coach. We’re still negotiating for his contract,” said Alas, who appointment as new Phoenix head coach was announced by the team management Thursday.
“We have many plans but the first order is the rookie draft on Sunday. Then there will be minor player movements,” said Alas.
Alas, who suited up with the Adamson Falcons in his collegiate playing years, is the third man to call the shots at Phoenix after Koy Banal and Vanguardia.
He’s making a return stint in the PBA as head coach after holding the rein at Mobiline (now TNT KaTropa) in 2000-2001.