NLEX coach Yeng Guiao is simply in awe at the mental fortitude displayed by Kevin Alas.
Against the Northport Batang Pier on Wednesday at the Smart 5G-powered AUF Sports Arena, Alas had arguably his best performance since his return from a second ACL injury, going for 16 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in 30 minutes.
Alas' all-around effort helped drive the Road Warriors to a 102-88 win over Northport, the team's first official PBA victory in over 11 months or since they stunned then-champion Magnolia in the 2019 Governors' Cup last November.
"That just goes to show his mental toughness," Guiao said.
"More than the physical toughness of Kevin trying to get back to where he was, more than the physical barrier, it's the mental barrier na na-overcome niya."
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Back in Game 5 of semifinals of the 2018 Philippine Cup against the Hotshots, Alas tore the ACL on his right knee at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Following a rigorous recovery process, Alas rejoined the team last year. Unfortunately, only a handful of games into the 2019 All-Filipino, Alas once again suffered an ACL injury on the same knee and at the same venue no less.
The 28-year-old former no. 2 pick officially came back from a second ACL injury late in the 2019 Governors' Cup but was hardly a factor for NLEX as the Road Warriors suffered a shock quarterfinals exit.
But in the Pampanga bubble for the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup restart, Alas looks and plays like he's truly back, putting up 15.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists for NLEX.
"Imagine having two ACLs in a very short time, you feel like your career is over. But for Kevin, it's just starting," Guiao said of Alas.
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"He puts in the sacrifice and the hard work and slowly he's reaping the fruits of his effort. It's a testimony to not just his physical toughness, but it's really the mental aspect. That's how tough he is," Guiao added. (PL)
