Letran hopes for good results without Alas
MANILA, Philippines - The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights are hoping to make an impact in the 2011 Philippine Collegiate Champions League even without their leading scorer Kevin Alas.
Alas, who was invited to train with the Los Angeles Slam of the semi-pro league American Basketball Association, will only play in one game in the 9th PCCL season.
The Knights placed 3rd in the recent NCAA Season 87 and were given an automatic berth in the PCCL Sweet 16, where they may face the De La Salle Green Archers, the University of Sto. Tomas Growling Tigers, or the University of Batangas Brahmans.
In an interview with ANC's Hardball, Alas said the team is hoping to make at least the semi-finals.
But his teammates admit it will be difficult to play without Alas, a Mythical Team member in the NCAA.
"Star player namin si Kevin," said forward Jam Cortes. "Pero si VJ (Espiritu) magte-take ng place ni Kevin, andhttp://www.pba-online.net. yung pagkawala n'ya, magiging stepping stone for the team na lang."
"Kevin is not in our rotation, we're trying to fill his shoes, but we all know it's a big spot to fill," said Espiritu.
Espiritu said they have not yet scouted any of their opponents, but are instead focusing on their own plays.
Alas will only be able to play in their first game of the tournament, which will be held on November 22, and he will leave for the United States on November 23.
If the Knights win that game, they move on to face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, runners-up of the UAAP Season 74 men's basketball tournament.
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/11/17/11/letran-hopes-good-results-without-alas
