Wishing Kevin Alas the best

Covering sporting events is surely exciting and fun but once in a while there are moments you just cringe in disbelief, more so if those are in the form of injuries.
While injuries are part and parcel of sports, one just does not get the hang of seeing them happen.
I found myself in such a situation once again on Saturday when I saw NLEX Road Warriors guard Kevin Alas go down with another knee injury just a few games back from missing a year because of, well, knee injury.
Went for a rebound in the fourth quarter of their game against the Meralco Bolts at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, Alas immediately clutched his right knee upon landing.
He was able to stand up on his own power and walk it off but an MRI after showed that it was an ACL injury on his right knee.
Interestingly, and unfortunately, it was the same knee he injured last March that forced him to miss much of last season.
Uncanny still, it happened anew at Ynares, What were chances of that, right?
Not surprising, everybody in the PBA-dom is saddened by what happened to Alas, 27.
One of the good guys in the league, both on and off the court, one just can feel for the former Letran star.
He was doing well in his PBA comeback, averaging 8.4 points, 4.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds and a steal.
Alas’s return was also a big help for NLEX as he shored up the team’s backcourt in the continued absence of Kiefer Ravena, who is out because of his suspension by FIBA.
Had a brief chat with Alas during PBA Media Day last month and I could vividly remember the excitement on his face on playing anew in the PBA after a long layoff.
“I’m ready to play again, sir,” he said to me while we shook hands; then came last Saturday’s turn of events.
In the aftermath of the reinjury, it is a welcome sight to see everybody surrounding Alas staying positive despite the sour news.
Nowhere to go about it, really, but in such a manner. One just has to hope for the best and everything goes well for Alas as he recovers.
And full recovery of Alas is something I do not doubt. He has a tremendous attitude and work ethic and I am sure he will come back stronger after this.
Wishing you all the best, Kevin. And I am looking forward to writing your PBA journey in far better circumstances in the future. Get well.
 
Michael Angelo S. Murillo has been a columnist since 2003. He is a BusinessWorld reporter covering the Sports beat.
msmurillo@bworldonline.com