Alas to train with Los Angeles Slam

MANILA, Philippines - Ace guard Kevin Alas will take a break from his stint with the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems in the PBA D-League to train with the Los Angeles Slam, a semi-pro team in the American Basketball Association (ABA), for over a month.

A Mythical Five awardee in the recent 87th NCAA seniors’ basketball tournament, Alas has been chosen by the ABA to “train overseas in full scholarship,” the Gems and his college team Letran announced yesterday.

Alas is set to leave next week for his workouts under coach Don Sanchez, the LA Slam’s chief trainer, along with former LA Lakers Mike Penberthy and Tony Farmer and former Houston Rocket Jauquin Hawkins.

“Alam ko po marami akong matututunan sa ABA training ko. I hope to become better pagbalik ko dito sa mid-December. I’m excited,” Alas said on Twitter.

The high-scoring guard said he would love to actually suit up for the Slam but opted to just join in training, not wanting to jeopardize his remaining years of eligibility for the Knights, title-less since topping the NCAA in 2005.

“Dapat lalaro ako dun (Slam), kinukuha nila ako, kaso bawal pala sa NCAA yun,” said Alas, adding winning a crown for Letran and his father and coach Louie remains his priority. “May 2 years pa po ako sa Letran. Dun muna po ako. I want to win a title muna.”

The Gems have given their blessing to Alas’ training stint with the Slam, with Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO, Gems team owner and Spirit Program Patron in the Philippines Jean Henri Lhuillier himself playing an instrumental role in making it possible.