UAAP: Alas gets real about pressure, expectations as Ateneo faces crossroads

Ateneo de Manila University rookie Kieffer Alas against De La Salle University in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — Kieffer Alas had Halloween heroics within reach, but his would-be game winner fell short as Ateneo de Manila University was left to endure an overtime nightmare against its lifelong rival.

With 5.5 seconds left in regulation, the Blue Eagles’ prized rookie misfired on a jumper over Henry Agunanne, and this led to De La Salle University eventually escaping with a 76-73 overtime victory in UAAP Season 89 on Saturday.

But while it was a heartbreaker, Alas had no regrets, saying that such setbacks are simply part of the game.

“I’ll take that shot every time, honestly,” said Alas, who finished with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals. “It was a broken play, but I felt like I had the one-on-one opportunity and just missed. I felt like that was the best shot that we could have gotten, so we live and we learn.”

Living and learning through every decision has been Alas’ approach to his rookie year, given how his campaign has been accompanied by hype, adversity, and expectations even before it officially began.

Alas acknowledged that such narratives can be difficult to navigate, but he also views them as opportunities to fast-track his growth both as a player and as a person.

“It makes it harder, yes, but it’s more learning,” he said. “I expected it already, because I felt like all eyes were gonna be on me. Some teams even give me respect like I’m not a rookie.”

The 6-foot-2, 19-year-old guard entered the league as one of, if not the most highly touted prospects in his class.

And while he has displayed flashes of the form that helped him win the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ MVP award and earn a stint with Utah Prep in the United States, he has also had to deal with his fair share of struggles.

“Against La Salle, in the first round, they stayed home on me,” recalled Alas, who was limited to five points on 2-of-11 shooting in their 83-76 loss to the Green Archers on October 7. “They didn’t want me to get the ball, and it was pretty hard, I can’t even lie.”

Dealing with pressure and expectations — both the highs and the lows — has taught Alas to keep setbacks in perspective, which is why Saturday’s nightmare finish is not something he is dwelling on. 

Rather than fixate on a missed shot, the Las Piñas native remains locked in on the bigger picture: Helping Ateneo end a Final Four drought that is now in its third year.

Ateneo de Manila University rookie Kieffer Alas against Far Eastern University in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.“Like what my dad says, it’s for our maturity, because those are the kinds of tests we’re gonna face, especially if, God’s will, we make the Final Four,” he said. “The hype, I try to ignore it. Right now, we’re at .500, so I’m really just trying to ignore those. I told my parents, my closest friends, na kahit wala na yung awards. Basta, hopefully, Final Four first.”

For Alas, controlling what they can control is the most important thing for Ateneo, as he considers the Blue Eagles to be at a crossroads with their 5-5 record and only four games remaining on their schedule.

“This loss, it’s just a bump in the road,” he said. “Honestly, I feel like we still have a 50% chance to make the Final Four, 50-50, so it’s just up to us. We’ve been through worse.”

And taking control of his own narrative does not apply only to this season or his collegiate career, as Alas believes it is a mentality that can serve him well beyond the UAAP.

“Hopefully, I can reach the goal I want. Not only in the UAAP, but after this,” he said.