Being better than the last time is the bare minimum for Kevin Alas as he aims to play a bigger role for NLEX in the season-opening PBA Philippine Cup.
The 2024-25 campaign was a period of adjustment for Alas, who was coming off a third ACL injury. Now fully healthy, he is eager to do more, especially with the Road Warriors having come so close to a semifinals berth in last year’s Philippine Cup.
‘I told myself that I should not have any excuses from hereon not to play at a better level,’ Alas said.
Alas suited up in 23 games for NLEX last season, averaging 7.6 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 18 minutes per game as he gradually worked his way back.
Not only was he regaining his rhythm after breaking his left knee in 2023, but NLEX was also adjusting to its first season under nine-time champion coach Jong Uichico.
Under Uichico, the Road Warriors reached the quarterfinals of the Philippine Cup with a twice-to-beat advantage, only to lose to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
NLEX is hell bent on atoning for that quarterfinals exit, which it hopes will coincide with Alas getting his groove back.
‘I’m putting pressure on myself [in getting my form back], if not, maybe close,’ Alas said. ‘But I guess the modest goal is to be better than my last conference and be better each day.’