Kevin Alas
Kevin Louie Platon Alas (born November 13, 1991) is a Filipino professional basketball player who serves as a point guard for the NLEX Road Warriors of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).[1][2] Standing at 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m) tall, Alas began his collegiate career at Colegio de San Juan de Letran from 2009 to 2012, where he contributed to the team's efforts in the NCAA and established himself as a promising backcourt talent before turning professional.[3][4] Alas entered the PBA in 2014 with the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters, playing a supporting role in their successful campaign that culminated in a championship win in the 2015 Commissioner's Cup after defeating the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in a dramatic seven-game finals series.[5][1] He transitioned to the NLEX Road Warriors in 2015, where he has remained a key fixture, averaging around 11.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game in the 2025-26 season while shooting 39.7% from the field.[1][6] On the international stage, Alas has represented the Philippines with the Gilas Pilipinas national team, participating in the 2014 FIBA Asia Cup (averaging 2.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists over six games) and the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers (3.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in two games).[2] Throughout his career, Alas has been recognized for his resilience, particularly after suffering three anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, the most recent in 2023, from which he returned to play in the 2024–25 PBA season's Commissioner's Cup.[7][8] His sportsmanship has earned him the PBA Samboy Lim Sportsmanship Award twice, in Season 46 (2022) and Season 47 (2023), and he made his first PBA All-Star appearance in 2023, where he scored 35 points in the game despite a loss for his team.[9][10]Early life and amateur career
Early life and education
Kevin Louie Platon Alas was born on November 13, 1991, in Las Piñas, Philippines.[11] As the son of veteran basketball coach Louie Alas, Kevin grew up in a family deeply immersed in the sport, with basketball forming a core part of their household culture. His father, who has coached multiple NCAA championships with the Letran Knights and assisted Philippine national youth teams in tournaments like the SEABA Juniors, frequently brought Kevin and his siblings to games and practices from a young age, fostering an early passion for basketball. Kevin's brothers, including older sibling Junjun, who also played for Letran, and younger brother Kieffer, shared this family-oriented exposure, creating a competitive yet supportive environment centered on the game.[12][13][14] Alas attended grade school at Blessed Trinity School in Las Piñas, where he first engaged in organized basketball during his fifth-grade year. He then progressed to high school at Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila, joining the Letran Squires basketball team starting in his second year and quickly establishing himself as a key player. This foundational education in a basketball powerhouse school aligned with his family's influence, setting the stage for his amateur career.[3][15] Upon transitioning to college, Alas enrolled at Colegio de San Juan de Letran to continue his basketball journey with the Knights, prioritizing his athletic development over immediate academic completion. He began his collegiate studies in 2009 but paused in 2013 to focus on national team commitments with Smart Gilas Pilipinas, forgoing his final year of eligibility. Later, in 2016, he returned to finish his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree while balancing his emerging professional career.[16][17]College basketball at Letran
Kevin Alas joined the Letran Knights as a freshman guard during NCAA Season 87 in 2011, marking the start of his collegiate basketball career at Colegio de San Juan de Letran.[18] In his rookie season, he emerged as a key playmaker and scorer, recording standout performances such as 29 points and 11 assists in a victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University.[19] His contributions helped the Knights secure a spot in the Final Four, where they fell to the San Sebastian Stags, 63-56.[20] Alas capped the season by earning a selection to the Mythical Five alongside teammates Raymond Almazan and opponents like Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang.[21] Returning for Season 88 in 2012, Alas elevated his game further, once again securing a Mythical Five nod for his all-around prowess.[17] He led the team in scoring during critical matchups, including a Final Four record-tying 43 points on 10-of-13 three-point shooting against San Sebastian, which propelled Letran to the finals.[22] The Knights advanced to face the San Beda Red Lions in the best-of-three championship series but lost 2–1.[23] Throughout the season, Alas frequently topped the team's assist charts in high-stakes games, showcasing his court vision and leadership. Over his two collegiate seasons, Alas established himself as one of the NCAA's premier guards, leading Letran in scoring and assists during pivotal contests while accumulating representative highs of 43 points and 12 assists. Following the runners-up finish, he opted to forgo his final year of eligibility to join the Smart Gilas Pilipinas national program, positioning himself for the 2014 PBA draft.[17][24]Youth international appearances
Kevin Alas earned a spot on the Sinag Pilipinas roster for the 2013 Southeast Asian Games in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, as part of the Philippines' developmental national basketball team.[25] The squad secured the gold medal with an undefeated 6-0 record, including a 84-70 victory over Malaysia in the final, where Alas contributed 13 points as a reliable playmaking guard.[26][27] Throughout the tournament, he averaged 2.5 assists per game, helping orchestrate the offense alongside teammates like Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and Kiefer Ravena, while his defensive efforts supported the team's dominant 37.8-point average winning margin.[28] His selection for these early international outings stemmed from standout performances at Colegio de San Juan de Letran, where his court vision and leadership as a point guard caught national scouts' attention.[29] Preparation for these tournaments involved rigorous training camps, influenced by his father, veteran coach Louie Alas, who instilled a strong work ethic and tactical fundamentals from Kevin's early basketball days in a family immersed in the sport.[12][30]Professional career
Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters (2014–2015)
Kevin Alas was selected second overall by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2014 PBA Draft on August 24, 2014.[31] Shortly thereafter, on September 23, 2014, Rain or Shine traded him in a three-team deal involving Talk 'N Text and NLEX, which ultimately landed Alas with the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters.[32] The Tropang Texters finalized the acquisition on October 9, 2014, sending Larry Rodriguez and their 2015 first-round pick to Blackwater Elite in exchange.[33] As a rookie, Alas joined a contending roster featuring star point guard Jayson Castro and veterans like Ranidel de Ocampo, serving primarily as a backup combo guard.[34] In the 2014–15 season, he appeared in 40 games, averaging 6.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 36.5% from three-point range.[35] During the Philippine Cup, Alas had a breakout performance on November 2, 2014, scoring a then-career-high 18 points to lead Talk 'N Text to a 99–76 rout of Rain or Shine.[36] The team advanced to the semifinals but was swept 0–4 by San Miguel Beermen.[37] In the Commissioner's Cup, Talk 'N Text relied on Alas for bench scoring and perimeter defense as they captured the championship, defeating Rain or Shine in a dramatic seven-game finals series that concluded with a 121–119 double-overtime victory on April 29, 2015.[5] His contributions helped stabilize the backcourt rotation amid the playoff push. Following the Governor's Cup, on August 25, 2015, Talk 'N Text traded Alas and Rob Reyes to the Mahindra Enforcers for rookie Troy Rosario; Mahindra then traded Alas to NLEX Road Warriors for KG Canaleta and Aldrech Ramos.[38]NLEX Road Warriors (2015–present)
Kevin Alas joined the NLEX Road Warriors on August 25, 2015, when he and forward Rob Reyes were traded from the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters to the Mahindra Enforcers in exchange for rookie Troy Rosario; the Enforcers' franchise was subsequently absorbed by NLEX ahead of the 2016–17 season, marking the start of his long tenure with the team.[38][39] As a key acquisition, Alas quickly assumed a starting role in the backcourt, leveraging his point guard skills and perimeter shooting to bolster NLEX's young roster during his rookie professional season.[40] Alas's development with NLEX accelerated in subsequent years, highlighted by a breakout 2017–18 campaign where he averaged 10.8 points and 3.9 assists per game, a marked increase from his earlier output, while contributing to the team's first-ever semifinal appearance after upsetting Alaska in the quarterfinals.[41][42] His consistent performances helped NLEX secure multiple playoff berths, including quarterfinal runs in later conferences, establishing him as a reliable scoring threat and playmaker amid the team's push for deeper postseason success.[43] Demonstrating his commitment to the franchise, Alas signed a three-year contract extension on September 1, 2020, alongside teammate Kiefer Ravena, securing his presence through the 2022–23 season.[44] He followed this with another three-year deal on September 14, 2023, extending his stay with NLEX into the 2025–26 campaign and underscoring his role as a veteran leader and team captain.[45] In the 2024–25 season, Alas averaged 7.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 18 minutes across 23 games, focusing on efficient contributions while reintegrating into the rotation.[46] Entering the 2025–26 Philippine Cup, he embraced a heightened leadership role, exemplified by his 26-point explosion off the bench— including five rebounds, three assists, and two steals— in a 87–81 victory over Phoenix on October 22, 2025, earning Best Player of the Game honors and helping NLEX to a 2–1 start.[47][48] Alas's partnership with star guard Robert Bolick has been pivotal to NLEX's backcourt dynamics since Bolick's arrival in 2023, with the duo combining for dynamic scoring and facilitation that propelled the team's strong early-season momentum in the 2025 Philippine Cup.[49][50]Injuries and recovery
Kevin Alas first suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his right knee on March 18, 2018, during a PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinal game against Magnolia Hotshots at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.[51][52] The injury required surgery performed by Dr. George Canlas, sidelining him for approximately eight months and causing him to miss the remainder of the 2018 season.[51] Alas made a brief return in January 2019 but reinjured the same ACL on February 2, 2019, against Meralco Bolts, just five games into his comeback during the Philippine Cup.[53][52] This second tear disrupted NLEX's momentum in the conference, as the team struggled without their key guard, and Alas underwent another surgery followed by rehabilitation that kept him out until November 2019.[54][55] His third ACL tear occurred on November 18, 2023, again at the Ynares Center during a game against Terrafirma Dyip.[55][56] The injury forced an extended recovery period of nearly 13 months, during which Alas focused on intensive rehabilitation emphasizing patience and gradual conditioning to rebuild strength and mobility.[57][8] Mentally, the repeated setbacks tested his resilience, but he drew on his faith and described his spirit as unbroken, viewing the injuries as part of a larger purpose rather than mere misfortune.[7][58] Over his 11-year PBA career spanning from 2014 to 2025, Alas has endured three ACL tears in the same knee, significantly impacting his availability and forcing multiple prolonged absences.[58][59] He marked his full return to form in the 2025-26 Philippine Cup, exploding for 26 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals off the bench in an 87-81 victory over Phoenix Fuel Masters on October 22, 2025, signaling a strong resurgence. He returned to play in the 2024–25 PBA Commissioner's Cup.[60][49] Throughout his recoveries, Alas received substantial support from his family and NLEX teammates, which proved crucial to his perseverance. His father, Louie Alas, a former PBA coach, praised Kevin's mental toughness during the second injury, while his wife, Selina Dagdag-Alas, offered unwavering emotional backing, and the team issued statements of prayer and solidarity for his rehabilitation.[61][62][63]International career
Senior national team
Kevin Alas made his debut with the senior Philippine national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, at the 2014 FIBA Asia Cup in Wuhan, China, where he appeared in six games, averaging 2.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, contributing to the team's bronze medal finish.[2] Alas earned a return call-up to Gilas Pilipinas in June 2017, joining the training pool as a replacement for NLEX Road Warriors following strong performances in the PBA.[64] By November 2017, he was included in the 12-man roster for the opening window of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers, supporting the team's matches against Japan and Chinese Taipei as a reserve guard, though he did not see playing time.[65] His selection reflected Gilas coaches' emphasis on PBA form, with Alas noted for his consistency during training camps leading into the qualifiers.[66] Alas's role expanded into the 2018 phase of the Asian Qualifiers, where he provided bench contributions during the second window in February. In the loss to Australia on February 22, he played limited minutes off the bench, scoring 3 points and securing 2 rebounds.[67] However, his participation remained restricted overall, as an ACL injury suffered during the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup playoffs in March forced him into rehabilitation and sidelined him for subsequent qualifier windows.[68] PBA scheduling conflicts further limited his availability, aligning with the program's reliance on active professional players.[69] This senior team involvement built upon his prior youth international experience, transitioning him to adult-level competition post-professional debut.[64]Key tournaments and contributions
Kevin Alas played a supporting role for Gilas Pilipinas during the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers, appearing in two games during the February 2018 window. In the loss to Australia on February 22 (68-84), he scored 3 points and grabbed 2 rebounds off the bench, contributing to the reserves' output of 23 points alongside teammates RR Pogoy and Calvin Abueva.[67][70] Three days later, in the 91-73 victory over Kazakhstan on February 25, Alas added 3 points to help secure the win, averaging 3 points and 2 rebounds across the two contests.[2] With key starters Jayson Castro and Jio Jalalon sidelined by minor injuries, Alas shared point guard duties with Kiefer Ravena, providing backcourt depth and stability in a challenging schedule against stronger opponents.[71] His inclusion in the lineup highlighted his reliability as a reserve, emphasizing defensive effort and team play in limited minutes during these high-stakes qualifiers.[72] Alas's overall impact on the senior national team was marked by his consistent preparation and motivational presence, often stepping up during injury crises to maintain team morale and facilitate smoother rotations.[66] However, recurring knee injuries limited his participation; after tearing his right ACL in March 2018 during PBA playoffs, he missed subsequent qualifier windows and the 2019 FIBA World Cup itself, where Gilas Pilipinas competed in August-September.[73] A re-tear of the same ligament in February 2019 further sidelined him, preventing any additional international contributions that year.[61] Alas returned to the senior national team for the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, where he served as a key reserve guard for Gilas Pilipinas. Providing backcourt stability and defensive contributions off the bench, he helped the team secure the gold medal—the Philippines' first in men's basketball at the Asian Games since 1962—highlighted by scoring sequences in critical moments, such as a five-point run against Jordan in the semifinals.[74][75]PBA career statistics
Season-by-season averages
The following table summarizes Kevin Alas's regular season averages in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) from his rookie year through the ongoing 2025–26 season. Statistics reflect performance in league play only, with limited games in certain years due to injuries, such as in 2017–18 (knee injury), 2018–19 (recovery period), 2020–21 (bubble format and health issues), 2023–24 (foot injury), and partial participation in other seasons. Data for the 2024–25 season indicates reduced output amid recovery efforts.[35]| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–15 | Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters | 40 | 18.7 | 6.5 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 0.1 | .398 | .287 | .644 |
| 2015–16 | NLEX Road Warriors | 35 | 26.2 | 7.4 | 2.8 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.1 | .382 | .271 | .691 |
| 2016–17 | NLEX Road Warriors | 33 | 25.8 | 11.2 | 3.7 | 2.5 | 0.7 | 0.2 | .440 | .256 | .571 |
| 2017–18 | NLEX Road Warriors | 17 | 24.1 | 10.8 | 5.1 | 2.5 | 0.8 | 0.2 | .423 | .271 | .761 |
| 2018–19 | NLEX Road Warriors | 9 | 17.6 | 5.2 | 2.2 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 0.0 | .293 | .333 | .636 |
| 2019–20 | NLEX Road Warriors | 10 | 27.3 | 16.2 | 6.3 | 4.2 | 0.7 | 0.1 | .444 | .318 | .818 |
| 2020–21 | NLEX Road Warriors | 13 | 29.7 | 13.2 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 1.2 | 0.4 | .364 | .159 | .784 |
| 2021–22 | NLEX Road Warriors | 17 | 31.3 | 14.9 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 1.0 | 0.3 | .431 | .275 | .737 |
| 2022–23 | NLEX Road Warriors | 34 | 30.0 | 16.8 | 4.7 | 4.1 | 0.9 | 0.1 | .484 | .372 | .705 |
| 2023–24 | NLEX Road Warriors | 3 | 22.3 | 12.0 | 3.3 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 0.0 | .500 | .273 | .529 |
| 2024–25 | NLEX Road Warriors | 22 | N/A | 7.8 | 1.8 | 2.1 | 0.5 | 0.0 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2025–26 | NLEX Road Warriors | 7 | 20.8 | 11.6 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 0.0 | .397 | .182 | .793 |
Career totals and highlights
Over the course of his PBA career spanning more than a decade, Kevin Alas has appeared in 240 games as of November 2025. His per-game averages stand at 10.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, reflecting his role as a reliable combo guard known for efficient playmaking and perimeter scoring.[1] In playoff contests, Alas has contributed in a supporting capacity across 35 appearances, averaging 8.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, often coming off the bench to provide steady minutes during NLEX's postseason runs.[1]| Season Type | GP | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 240 | 10.7 | 3.4 | 2.7 |
| Playoffs | 35 | 8.2 | 2.1 | 1.9 |