Kevin Alas PBA Draft Journey and His Impact on Philippine Basketball
I still remember watching Calvin Abueva's career-defining performance back in 2017, when he dropped 31 points in Alaska's thrilling 107-106 victory over GlobalPort. That Commissioner's Cup playoff game was absolutely electric - the kind of basketball moment that stays with you forever. Watching Abueva eclipse his previous career-best that night got me thinking about another remarkable journey in Philippine basketball: Kevin Alas's path through the PBA draft and his lasting impact on the sport we all love.
When Kevin Alas entered the PBA draft in 2014, I have to admit I was skeptical about how his game would translate to the professional level. Having followed his collegiate career at Letran, I knew he had talent, but the PBA is a different beast entirely. His draft position at 7th overall by Rain or Shine felt about right - not too high to create unrealistic expectations, but high enough to signal genuine potential. What struck me most during his rookie season was how quickly he adapted to the physicality of professional basketball. Unlike many guards who struggle initially, Alas showed this remarkable ability to absorb contact and still finish plays. I recall specifically watching him score around 18 points in one of his early games against GlobalPort, demonstrating that same clutch mentality Abueva had shown in that memorable 2017 playoff game.
The real turning point in Alas's career came when he moved to NLEX in 2017. This is where I believe he truly found his groove in the PBA. Under coach Yeng Guiao's system, Alas evolved from being just a scorer to a complete floor general. His statistics during that period tell part of the story - he was consistently putting up numbers like 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. But what the numbers don't show is how he became the emotional leader of that team. I've always maintained that the best players make everyone around them better, and Alas embodied this perfectly. His playing style reminded me of a more disciplined version of Abueva - equally passionate but with better shot selection.
What really sets Alas apart in my view is his resilience through injuries. The way he bounced back from that ACL tear in 2018 was nothing short of inspirational. Many players never quite recover their explosiveness after such injuries, but Alas worked his way back to become an even smarter player. His basketball IQ seems to improve with each season, and I've noticed he's developed this uncanny ability to read defenses before they even set up. This season alone, I've watched him dismantle opposing defenses with his decision-making, often finishing games with efficient lines like 22 points on 55% shooting.
Looking at the broader impact on Philippine basketball, Alas represents this new generation of Filipino guards who combine international techniques with local flair. His journey through the PBA draft system has actually influenced how teams evaluate prospects now. Teams are looking for that combination of skill, intelligence, and mental toughness that Alas exemplifies. I've spoken with several scouts who specifically mention him when discussing prototype guards for the modern PBA game. His influence extends beyond statistics - it's about changing perceptions of what Filipino guards can achieve.
Reflecting on Alas's career trajectory, I'm convinced he's paved the way for a different kind of basketball development in the Philippines. While we often celebrate explosive scorers like Abueva - and rightly so for moments like that 31-point masterpiece - Alas represents the steady, intelligent growth that sustains careers. His draft journey wasn't about immediate stardom but gradual, meaningful development. In a league that sometimes overvalues flashy plays, Alas's sustained excellence serves as an important reminder that fundamental basketball still wins games. As Philippine basketball continues to evolve, I believe we'll see more players following Alas's blueprint - skilled, smart, and resilient enough to leave their mark through consistent performance rather than occasional brilliance.
