After 15 long years, Louie Alas is back as head coach in the PBA as he takes over the Phoenix Fuel Masters starting next season.
“I’m excited to be back. Coaching in the PBA is the ultimate goal of coaches in the Philippines. I have no expectations except that we want to get better,” Alas told InterAksyon.
Alas will be coaching his first PBA team since he last handled Talk N Text from 2000 to 2001 seasons.
The multi-titled collegiate mentor got his release from Alaska where he served as assistant coach to Alex Compton.
Alas will bring with him current Lyceum Pirates coach Topex Robinson, also a previous member of the Alaska coaching staff, to become his lead assistant.
According to Alas, he got a call from team manager Paolo Bugia, who’s been talking to him as early as last season but couldn’t commit due to his contractual obligations with the Aces.
Alas said Compton even helped him get his release from Alaska.
Alas, whose son Kevin is playing for the NLEX Road Warriors, said Phoenix’s immediate goal is to strengthen the team with players who will help their campaign next season.
“We’re three pieces away to become a more competitive team,” Alas said. “We need a big man and two guards who can complement Jeff Chan, Matthew Wright, JC Intal and RJ Jazul.”
