Louie Alas named new Phoenix coach

The Fuel Masters named Louie Alas as their new mentor replacing Ariel Vanguardia. (Photo: Louie Alas/Facebook)

MANILA — The 2017 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season may not be over yet, but Phoenix is already looking forward to the 2018 season by replacing its coach on Thursday.

The Fuel Masters named Louie Alas as their new mentor replacing Ariel Vanguardia.

Alas is not new to winning titles in the professional league as he won a title for the Manila Metrostars in the MBA in 1999 and the Philippine Patriots in the ABL in 2010.

Alas also has a PBA head coaching experience under his belt as he coached the TNT KaTropa, formerly the Mobiline Phone Pals, from 2000-01.

This season, Alas is deputy to Coach Alex Compton.

Joining Alas in his coaching staff is Topex Robinson, who recently led Lyceum to an 18-0 sweep of the elimination round of the NCAA, giving the team an outright finals slot in only its first playoff appearance. (PNA)