Romwel Anzures

Ateneo de Manila University prized rookie Kieffer Alas against Adamson University. Photo from 19th FilOil Preseason Cup.

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ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780755068362AJG_8198.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Ateneo de Manila University prized rookie Kieffer Alas against Adamson University. <em>Photo from 19th FilOil Preseason Cup.</em></span></span></span>MANILA — There is no question that the sky is the limit for Kieffer Alas, but for Ateneo de Manila University head coach Tab Baldwin, the 19-year-old’s greatest strength lies beyond what he brings on the basketball court.</div><p>“He is hungry for more knowledge, he’s receptive, and that’s going to help him a lot,” said the longtime Blue Eagles head coach after they dominated Adamson University, 72-52, in the 19th FilOil Preseason Cup on Saturday.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/3/19/uaap-kieffer-alas-out-to-prove-himself-with-ateneo-blue-eagles-2331">READ: Kieffer Alas out to prove himself with Ateneo Blue Eagles</a></div><p>Coming in as the top recruit of his class, Alas is expected to help make Ateneo great again as it seeks to return to the Final Four in UAAP Season 89 after missing out the past two years.</p><p>The Las Piñas native also brings with him U.S. experience and a UAAP high school MVP award. </p><p>For Baldwin, however, it is how grounded Alas is that further elevates him.</p><p>“He’s very coachable,” raved Baldwin. “His mentality is: ‘Coach, what do I need to do to get better?’ He listens to the older players and understands their experience at the UAAP [collegiate] level.”</p><p>For his part, Alas shared that while it took time for him to get acclimated in Katipunan, his seniors have made the transition easier.</p><p>“For the first month, I was adjusting. Here, there are a lot of good scorers. It took me a while to realize, but now, we’re doing well,” said the former De La Salle Zobel star.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780755130738AJG_8261.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Ateneo de Manila University head coach Tab Baldwin against Adamson University. <em>Photo from 19th FilOil Preseason Cup.</em></span></span></span>Baldwin also shared that he has made Alas’ role with the team clear, noting that the former Utah Prep standout will have both the luxury of developing his game individually and the responsibility of fitting into the Blue Eagles’ system.</div><p>“A few years ago, we brought in ‘The’ blue-chip rookie [in] Jared Bahay. He came in and carried a big burden in his rookie year because we lost Forthsky Padrigao,” said Baldwin.</p><p>“But I don’t expect Kieffer to carry that burden. He just needs to go out and produce, and he also has the responsibility to fit into our culture. In their high school programs, it was easier for them to focus on their own game. Now, it’s the reverse. It’s what we need them to do for the team. They have to learn how to fit in,” he added.</p><p>Fortunately for Baldwin, Alas is fully embracing what is expected of him not only on offense but also on the defensive side.</p><p>“It’s better for my growth as a player,” he emphasized. “Some people might take it badly, but I think it is a blessing. And Coach Tab told me before I came in that he’s also going to give me different looks on defense.”</p><p>”It’s going to be a big help, wherever I go,” added the son of champion mentor Louie Alas. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nR_7_4S4_gE?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>There is no question that the sky is the limit for Kieffer Alas, but for Ateneo de Manila University head coach Tab Baldwin, the 19-year-old’s greatest strength lies beyond what he brings on the basketball court.</p>

There is no question that the sky is the limit for Kieffer Alas, but for Ateneo de Manila University head coach Tab Baldwin, the 19-year-old’s greatest strength lies beyond what he brings on the basketball court.

UAAP: Beyond talent, Baldwin marvels at ‘coachable, receptive’ Kieffer Alas

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UAAP: Beyond talent, Baldwin marvels at ‘coachable, receptive’ Kieffer Alas

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 06, 2026 11:36 PM PHT

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Basketball

UAAP

NCAA

ABSSports

NCAA Season 102

UAAP Season 89

Ateneo

Kieffer Alas

Tab Baldwin

Louie Alas

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