After parting ways, Alas had nothing but gratitude for Phoenix management
Louie Alas had nothing but kinds words for the Phoenix Super LPG management despite being sacked as coach of the Fuel Masters on Friday.
Phoenix made a shock move by parting ways with Alas, the same coach who steered the franchise to its first-ever semifinal during the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup.
Hints of a rift between Alas and management surfaced after his son, NLEX guard Kevin Alas, criticized the team in a since-deleted Facebook post.
Nonetheless, the elder Alas opted to take the high road.
“Coaching the Phoenix Fuel Masters for the past (three) years has been a great honor and privilege to me, and I thank the entire management, headed by Boss Dennis Uy (Phoenix team owner) for giving me support during my tenure,” Alas said Saturday.
Alas went 35-39 after being hired by Phoenix before the 2017-18 season with a cast led by Calvin Abueva and Matthew Wright.
“I have great respect for all the players I have coached, and I also want to thank all the coaches I have worked with who poured out their hearts and their efforts to the goal we envisioned to attain,” he added.
His assistant Topex Robinson will take over on an interim basis, with Alas giving him the full support to take Phoenix to the next level.
“I wish coach Topex and the entire team nothing but the best in their future endeavors,” he said.