KIEFFER Alas’ strong showing in Ateneo de Manila University’s 81-78 victory over College of St. Benilde in the Sweet 16 of the Pinoyliga Big Dance has added fuel to a growing conversation surrounding the Blue Eagles’ offensive system.
Is Blue Eagles interim coach Louie Alas giving his son preferential treatment, or is Kieffer simply proving that he deserves to be the focal point of Ateneo’s offense?
The question resurfaced after a social media user reacted to the young guard’s performance, pointing out that even if the reports of Louie deliberately running plays for Kieffer were true, the coach could hardly be blamed because his son can simply “HOOP.”
“Even if the rumors of Coach Louie running sets purposely for Kieffer is true…. i wouldn’t blame him…..THAT GUY CAN HOOP. 😭,” the post read.
Another user echoed the sentiment, praising Kieffer’s shot-making ability: “that shot by the logo.. galing talaga ng bata.”
The reactions came amid earlier reports that some Ateneo players were unhappy with the team’s offensive setup under Louie Alas. The Blue Eagles have reportedly shifted from Tab Baldwin’s free-flowing system to a heavier reliance on horns sets, with Kieffer receiving considerable freedom to create and score.
Kieffer’s latest outing, however, provides a strong argument on why Ateneo may be putting the ball in his hands.
He scored 26 points against Benilde as the Blue Eagles survived a tight Sweet 16 contest, following his 12-point effort in Ateneo’s 71-60 victory over Our Lady of Fatima University in the opening round.
The question now is whether Kieffer’s prominent role is the product of nepotism or simply a reflection of his performance on the court.
For now, his numbers are making it increasingly difficult to ignore the latter argument. (By the Staff)
