By MARK REY MONTEJO
Kieffer Alas, touted as one of the next important characters in Philippine basketball, has officially bade farewell to the De La Salle-Zobel Junior Archers program to begin his chase for a dream career abroad.
On his social media post, Alas, 18, bared his plans to take a new path in his young but promising career by flying to Perth, Australia where he is set for an intensive training with the NBL1 West club Warwick Senators.
After his Australian stint, the 6-foot-2 guard will move to Utah in USA where he tries to complete his enrollment requirement and continue his senior year at Layton Christian Academy.
If the stars align and he performs well, Alas could fulfill his dream to play in NCAA Division 1 school – his launching pad to reach the grandest basketball stage – the NBA.
“10 [years]. Words can’t express my gratitude. Thank you for loving me not because of but in spite of everything that has happened,” Alas wrote.
“As I enter my senior year in the US, I couldn’t be more grateful to Zobel for their guidance and support. Such an honor to represent the green and white. Heck of a ride, always thankful that God led me to this school,” he added. “Salamat, [De La Salle Zobel].”
Kieffer, the youngest son of veteran coach Louie and brother of NLEX’s Kevin, was nothing but impressive during his Grade 11 days for Zobel, averaging 20.07 points, 11.13 rebounds, 4.93 assists and 1.07 steals per contest.
That statline was enough to be feted as the Season 87 juniors’ Most Valuable Player, making him more popular in the amateur level of Philippine basketball.
Despite his age, the current Grade 12 student was not new on foreign territory as he already took part in international camps in the past including the 2023 NBA Academy Asia Development Camp in Singapore.
