Lastimosa PBA Career Highlights and Best Moments You Need to See

As I settle in to watch tonight's matchup between NLEX and Blackwater at the USEP gym, I can't help but reflect on the incredible career of Kevin Alas, whose journey through the PBA has been nothing short of remarkable. I've followed his career since his rookie days, and what strikes me most is how he's evolved from a promising newcomer to one of the league's most reliable guards. His story isn't just about statistics—it's about resilience, growth, and those unforgettable moments that make basketball more than just a game.

I remember distinctly during the 2018 Commissioner's Cup when Alas dropped 31 points against Ginebra, shooting an impressive 58% from the field. That performance wasn't just about the numbers—it was the way he took control of the game when it mattered most. The confidence he displayed in that fourth quarter, hitting three consecutive three-pointers, showed everyone why he's considered one of the most clutch players in recent PBA history. What many fans might not realize is that he achieved this just months after recovering from his first ACL injury, which makes the accomplishment even more significant in my view.

His defensive capabilities often go underappreciated, but having watched him develop over seven professional seasons, I've come to recognize his defensive IQ as one of his strongest assets. During the 2019 Philippine Cup, he averaged 2.1 steals per game over a five-game stretch, creating numerous fast-break opportunities that directly translated into wins for NLEX. The way he reads passing lanes reminds me of some of the great defensive guards from the early 2000s, though with his own modern twist. I've always believed that defense wins championships, and players like Alas prove this point beautifully.

One of my personal favorite Alas moments came during the 2021 season bubble, where he recorded what I consider to be his most complete performance—28 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists against TNT. The beauty of that game wasn't just the stat line, but how he orchestrated the offense while simultaneously being the primary scoring option. His court vision that night was exceptional, finding open teammates with passes that seemed to defy the tight defensive coverage. From my perspective, this demonstrated his growth into a complete floor general, something I've been hoping to see from him since his college days.

Tonight's game at USEP gym presents another opportunity for Alas to add to his highlight reel. Having watched countless NLEX-Blackwater matchups over the years, I'm particularly excited to see how he'll perform against Blackwater's backcourt defense, which has shown vulnerability against penetrating guards this conference. If history is any indication, Alas could very well put on another show for the fans in attendance. His career shooting percentage of 44.3% against Blackwater suggests he's quite comfortable facing this particular opponent.

What continues to impress me about Alas is how he's maintained his productivity through various coaching changes and roster movements. Through 187 professional games, he's maintained averages of 14.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists—numbers that don't fully capture his impact but certainly highlight his consistency. In today's era where players frequently move between teams, Alas has become synonymous with NLEX's identity, and I'd argue he's been instrumental in shaping the team's playing style over the past five seasons.

As the tip-off approaches for tonight's 7 p.m. game, I find myself anticipating another chapter in Alas's evolving legacy. While statistics help tell part of the story, the true value of a player like Kevin Alas lies in those intangible moments—the crucial defensive stops, the timely assists, the leadership during tight games. Having watched hundreds of PBA games throughout my years as a basketball enthusiast, I can confidently say that players like Alas represent the heart of Philippine basketball. His journey serves as a reminder that beyond the highlights and statistics, it's the perseverance and love for the game that truly define a player's career.