WHILE everyone’s attention is focused on the fiery PBA Governors’ Cup Finals and the upcoming Draft, the Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters quietly made a move in hopes of turning its fortunes around in the Philippine Basketball Association next season.
The Fuel Masters yesterday appointed veteran mentor Louie Alas as their new head coach.
Alas will take the place of Phoenix’s first mentor Ariel Vanguardia, who will part ways with the team after a mediocre run for over a season.
The former Letran head coach will be taking his talents from Alaska to Phoenix to take on a lead role this time around.
Alas has spent the last five years being an assistant and deputy coach for the Aces where he helped the team in its 2013 Commissioner’s Cup title romp.
Along with Alas, Topex Robinson will also be on board for Phoenix as he will serve as the team’s associate coach and top assistant.
Alas will sign a three-year deal to call the shots for Phoenix.
This will be Alas’ first head coaching job in the PBA in more than a decade.
He was the TNT’s head coach from 2000 to 2002 where he won a championship.
Alas also won several titles for Letran during his near-decade stay there as coach.