Alas embraces challenge as Ateneo honors Baterbonia, Adili in UAAP Season 89

NEW COACH. Ateneo Blue Eagles interim coach Louie Alas during the UAAP Season 89 press conference. UAAP Louie Alas leads the Ateneo Blue Eagles in such delicate times, taking over as interim coach for the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament following the resignation of former head coach Tab Baldwin Coach Louie Alas takes over as interim coach for the Ateneo Blue Eagles following the tragic deaths of two student-athletes, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. Alas, who previously coached the Letran Knights to three NCAA championships, embraces the challenge despite the pressure and aims to keep the team focused amidst backlash over their UAAP participation. The Blue Eagles are dedicating their season to Baterbonia and Adili, wearing memorial patches on their jerseys, and are focused on healing and mental fortitude as they prepare for the competition. This is AI-generated. Read the article for full context. Report any errors. MANILA, Philippines – Guiding an embattled Ateneo team still reeling from the tragic deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili is no easy task, but coach Louie Alas is up to the challenge. Alas said he never shies away from pressure as he leads the Blue Eagles in such delicate times, taking over as interim coach for the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament following the resignation of former head coach Tab Baldwin. It will be Alas’ first head coaching stint in college since he called the shots in 2012 for the Letran Knights, a team he steered to three NCAA championships. “When the incident happened, I was ready to go because of command responsibility,” said Alas, who was hired in 2024 as a deputy. “But when one of the priests approached me and asked me if I was open to being a temporary coach, I said, ‘Father, it is not in my personality to back down from challenges.’ When I saw the players, how could I leave them?” Alas, 62, did not join the team building in Dipaculao, Aurora, where Baterbonia and Adili drowned during a seawater activity on June 8, and in turn, did not get punished by the UAAP. Those in attendance were penalized, with the UAAP slapping Baldwin with a lifetime ban and handing assistant coaches Dean Castaño, Sandro Soriano, and Jon Jacinto indefinite suspensions. “I was ready to go and ready to retire, but with that situation, I think no coach would leave. I guess I’m destined to be here. I was fine with being an assistant, I no longer wanted to be a head coach. But this is what the Lord gave me and I’m ready to accept the challenge,” said Alas. And the challenge includes keeping his wards locked in as the Blue Eagles deal with the backlash over their UAAP participation, with many fans believing Ateneo should have been suspended for at least one season given the gravity of the incident that claimed the lives of two student-athletes. Jeers from the crowd during the games are also likely, but Alas trusts that there is enough security at the venues to keep things in order. “Our concentration is on the UAAP itself. I hope nothing untoward happens,” said Alas. The Blue Eagles are coming off a promising run in the Pinoyliga Cup, where they reached the semifinals before losing to eventual champion UST Growling Tigers. Alas’ son, rookie guard Kieffer, showed the way for Ateneo in the preseason tournament where it beat Our Lady of Fatima University, St. Benilde, and Mapua with an average of 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Travis Roberts backstopped the younger Alas with 12.3 points and 4.0 rebounds, while third-year guard Jared Bahay produced 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Alas, though, knows the competition in the UAAP is on a whole ‘nother level. “We have no expectations because we want to take care of our mental [fortitude] first. But we’ll make sure that we’re ready when we go into a game,” said Alas. “Of course, this is part of our healing. And winning would make it easier for us to heal.” Ultimately, the Blue Eagles are not just playing for victories or school pride as they offer the season to Baterbonia and Adili, with the men’s and women’s basketball teams wearing memorial patches with the initials “RB” and “DA” on their jerseys. “Ever since the accident happened, the first thing on their mind is to dedicate this year to [Baterbonia and Adili.] They are in the players’ hearts,” said Alas. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading