MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo de Manila University on Friday appointed veteran coach Louie Alas as interim head coach of the Blue Eagles as the school continues its investigation into the deaths of players Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia during a water activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Alas previously served as an assistant coach under former head coach Tab Baldwin.
The 62-year-old coach won three NCAA championships with Colegio de San Juan de Letran, an MBA title with the Manila Metrostars in 1999, an ASEAN Basketball League championship with AirAsia Philippines in the 2009-10 season, and a SEABA gold medal as coach of the RP Youth Team in 1999.
“This is assuming that the team will play in the coming UAAP tournament,” Alas said. “Nabakante kami ng higit isang buwan and we will slowly get everybody back in physical and mental shape.”
Ateneo canceled its overseas training camps and participation in local tournaments following the deaths of Adili and Baterbonia.
Alas said the team will instead focus on conditioning, fundamental training and tune-up games.
“While everyone is looking forward to getting back to training, which is also a form of therapy, we also have to consider their mental state,” he said.
Former Blue Eagles player Nico Salva will serve as interim team manager, while former Letran player RJ Jazul will join the coaching staff.
“Matalinong player iyan and he will be a good coach one day,” Alas said of Jazul, who played under him during Letran’s 2005 NCAA championship season.
Alas also said he plans to add former Letran player Kerby Raymundo to the coaching staff as a big man coach.
“I need a big man coach,” Alas said. “And Kerby has the credentials and know-how.”
Raymundo won an NCAA title with Alas at Letran in 1998 and later served as an assistant coach under Aldin Ayo during Letran’s 2015 NCAA championship season.
Alas said all current players, including the team’s Fil-American recruits, will undergo physical examinations next week as they prepare for the 2026-27 academic year, which begins in August.
