Ateneo de Manila University’s Jared Bahay against Adamson University in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — Louie Alas has long put a premium on his guards, and the veteran tactician is carrying that philosophy into his first season with Ateneo de Manila University.
From Boyet Bautista, RJ Jazul, and Kevin Alas to his current stable of Jared Bahay, Kieffer Alas, and Ian Espinosa, among others, the three-time NCAA champion coach has consistently relied on his playmakers to run his squads.
“Every time I build a team, always centerpiece ko ang mga guards,” said Alas after Ateneo returned to the win column with a 73-68 victory over his alma mater Adamson University on Saturday.
The approach has paid dividends early in UAAP Season 89, with the Blue Eagles winning two of their first three games.
For Bahay, however, being given that kind of trust comes with responsibility.
“I took it seriously when he told us that he really trusts the guards,” said Bahay, who finished with 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists against University of the East. "Nag bunga naman, maganda naman yung nilaro namin, so thankful ako."
Alas, meanwhile, has seen enough from the Cebuano guard to trust him with a major role in the system.
“When it comes to Jared, more than three years ko na siyang kilala, and believer talaga ako,” he said.
While Alas acknowledges that too much reliance on Bahay could be used against the Blue Eagles, he believes their depth gives him enough options to counter.
“Give away ko na, stop the guards of coach Louie, you almost stop the team,” he said. “But I can use five guards in one possession, so that’s why we’re able to survive.
“Four to five guards ang nasa lineup ko, and I have the tendency to put them together, because I know they can help me sanitize each and every aspect of the game,” he added.
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