Ace up Ginebra's sleeve? Alaska's Alas offered coaching job by rival SMC group

Multi-titled Louie Alas admitted to Spin.ph that he was offered a coaching job during a meeting with SMC basketball officials Robert Non and Noli Eala on Monday morning at the SMC headquarters in Ortigas. Jerome Ascano

THE major reorganization of the coaching staff of the three ballclubs under the giant San Miguel Corp. umbrella is set to lure one coach from a rival team.

His name? Alaska assistant coach Louie Alas.

Alas, who sat opposite the Barangay Ginebra bench during the last PBA Commissioner's Cup won by Alaska, has been offered a coaching post by the SMC organization, most likely with Ginebra.

The multi-titled Alas admitted to Spin.ph that he was offered a coaching job during a meeting with SMC basketball officials Robert Non and Noli Eala on Monday afternoon at the SMC headquarters in Ortigas.

“Yes, kinausap nila ako. Inaalok nga ako,” said Alas, who was accompanied by agent Danny Espiritu during the meeting.

San Miguel officials did not specify which particular post they are offering Alas, who will be furnished a copy of the contract offer before he leaves for the US to join the rest of the Alaska Aces in their US trip.

The US trip is a bonus for the Aces' sweep of Ginebra in the last Commissioner's Cup Finals, where Alas stood as one of the top deputies of young Alaska coach Luigi Trillo.

“Isa kasi sa mga binanggit sa kanya is yung chance - bigger chance- to coach sa ilang teams ng San Miguel. Iba yung plano sa kanya. Pag-aaralan pa,” he added.

The well-known player agent believes Alas is bound for a spot as an assistant coach at Ginebra, which has vacancies in its coaching staff following the transfer of Allan Caidic and Juno Sauler to La Salle.

Sauler was recently named new La Salle head coach, replacing Gee Abanilla while Caidic is set to be assigned full time to the Green Archers as shooting coach and assistant coach.

Spin.ph had earlier reported that University of the East Red Warriors coach Boysie Zamar has also been offered a spot in the Gin Kings' staff as one of Alfrancis Chua’s deputies.

Espiritu said the ball is now in Alas’ hands.

“He was offered something that is hard to resist. Kaya ngayon kailangan niyang i-discuss yun with Alaska 'pag nasa US na sila. Kaya yun ang time na ipapadala sa kanya yung copy ng offer,” Espiritu said.

Alas declined comment when asked what he feels about the offer.