Quick Read
- Kieffer Alas committed to Ateneo de Manila University’s Blue Eagles on March 3, 2026.
- He chose Ateneo over other UAAP programs and NCAA Division II schools due to Coach Tab Baldwin’s direct engagement.
- Alas was the UAAP Season 87 MVP and led Gilas Pilipinas Boys to a FIBA U17 World Cup berth.
- His stint at Utah Prep in the US helped him mature and improve his game under Coach Mark Dickel, a protégé of Baldwin.
- Alas’s commitment is expected to significantly bolster Ateneo’s roster for UAAP Season 89, following their absence from the Season 88 Final Four.
MANILA (Azat TV) – Highly anticipated Filipino basketball prospect Kieffer Alas officially announced his commitment to Ateneo de Manila University’s Blue Eagles on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, marking a significant return to the Philippines after a recent stint at Utah Prep in the United States. Alas, an 18-year-old winger, cited the direct engagement and long-term vision presented by Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin as the primary factor in his decision, foregoing offers from other UAAP programs and NCAA Division II schools.
Alas’s commitment is a major coup for the Blue Eagles, who are looking to rebound in UAAP Season 89 after missing the Season 88 Final Four with a 6-8 record. His decision to play collegiate basketball in the Philippines, rather than pursuing a Division I path in the US, underscores the growing appeal of local programs led by respected mentors like Baldwin.
Coach Tab Baldwin’s Pivotal Role in Alas’s Decision
The influence of veteran mentor Tab Baldwin was central to Kieffer Alas’s choice. Alas revealed that Baldwin maintained consistent contact and visited him multiple times during his stay at Utah Prep. This sustained effort and a clear development plan were crucial for the young star.
“Coach Tab visited me multiple times here in the US, and I could tell he was really interested in me. They laid out their plan for me, what I could do in the future, and how they saw me as a big part of their program,” Alas told Tiebreaker Times. He emphasized that the commitment shown by the management and particularly Coach Baldwin was the “main thing” in his decision-making process.
Baldwin, a former head coach for Gilas Pilipinas, is renowned for his ability to develop players for both the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and international opportunities. This reputation for player development was a key draw for Alas, who expressed excitement about learning from the esteemed coach.
Adding another layer to Baldwin’s influence, Alas’s coach at Utah Prep, Mark Dickel, is a protégé of Baldwin. Alas noted that Dickel’s coaching style is ‘somewhat similar’ to Baldwin’s, which he believes will facilitate a smoother transition to playing under the Ateneo head coach. This strategic move to Utah Prep, according to Alas, helped him mature both on and off the court and improved all aspects of his game.
Kieffer Alas’s Impressive Basketball Pedigree
Kieffer Alas arrives at Ateneo with an already stellar resume, having established himself as one of the Philippines’ most promising young talents. Prior to his move to Utah Prep, he was a standout player for De La Salle Zobel and a key figure in the Gilas Pilipinas Boys program.
In the FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship 2023, Alas led the Gilas Boys to a coveted berth in the Under-17 World Cup. His dominant performance saw him average 15.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, earning him a spot on the tournament’s All-Star Five. Although he later missed the World Cup due to injury, Alas made a triumphant return in his Grade 11 year with the Junior Archers.
During UAAP Season 87, Alas put together an MVP-caliber season, averaging an impressive 20.07 points, 11.14 rebounds, 4.93 assists, and 1.07 steals across 14 games. This breakout performance culminated in him capturing the UAAP Season 87 MVP crown, solidifying his status as a premier high school player.
Alas, the younger brother of PBA player Kevin Alas and son of coach Louie Alas, brings not only exceptional talent but also a strong basketball lineage to the Blue Eagles program. His decision to return home despite opportunities abroad highlights a personal desire for growth under familiar and trusted guidance.
Bolstering Ateneo’s UAAP Season 89 Roster
Kieffer Alas joins a formidable incoming class of rookies for Ateneo in UAAP Season 89, signaling a concerted effort by the Blue Eagles to rebuild and return to championship contention. Other notable recruits include Rene Baterbonia from Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Davao, Jelo Rota and Jacob Lacson from Ateneo de Cebu, and Jay-M Leal from Ateneo de Manila.
His addition is expected to provide an immediate boost to Ateneo’s lineup, offering versatility, scoring, and leadership. Alas himself expressed his determination to contribute to the team’s success: “I will give my best to help hopefully bring Ateneo back to its winning ways.”
Alas’s commitment represents a significant trend in Philippine collegiate basketball, where top-tier talent, even after gaining international exposure, increasingly opts to develop under the established and respected coaching systems of local universities. This decision not only strengthens Ateneo’s immediate prospects but also reinforces the competitive standard and allure of the UAAP as a premier breeding ground for future professional players.