Alas commits to Blue Eagles after brief U.S. run

Former UAAP boys' Most Valuable Player Kieffer Alas returned to the Philippines and officially joined the Ateneo Blue Eagles for the UAAP Season 89 Basketball Tournament.

Prior to that, Alas previously played a short stint in the United States, where he received offers from several NCAA Division II schools and junior colleges.

But the standout guard preferred coming back to the Philippines to develop his prowess under the Blue Eagles’ guidance.

"I also thought it would be better to develop in the Philippines because I feel I would not get as much opportunities than if I played D1 in the States," Alas said in an interview with Rappler.

Before transferring to Ateneo, he also attracted multiple offers from De La Salle University Green Archers and University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

The 18-year-old ace now has a chance to play for his father, Louie Alas, who served as an assistant to Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin, and will have five years of eligibility.

His addition is seen as a key boost for the Blue Eagles, who missed the Final Four in the last two seasons.