With Alas at the Core, Phenom Bluefire Prepares for NBTC 2026
Phenom Bluefire arrives at the 2026 NBTC season with a deep and diverse roster that blends international experience, national team pedigree, and local league know-how.
The spotlight naturally falls on Kieffer Alas, whose recent play overseas has raised expectations for what he can accomplish in the amateur level and beyond, but the team’s strength also lies in its supporting cast and coaching staff.
Alas has quickly made an impact playing for Utah Prep Academy in Utah. In a recent performance stateside, he erupted for 34 points, including ten three-pointers, signaling his ability to score at a high volume and stretch defenses from deep.
He made the transition after a decorated, MVP-winning spell at De La Salle-Zobel and continues to develop within the U.S. prep circuit, drawing on a rich basketball lineage and growing experience against overseas competition. Alas also sparked Phenom to the final of last year’s NBTC tourney. He is expected to help the squad again in 2026, according to team manager Anthony Brodett.
Joining him in the backcourt is Elijah Williams, a 5-10 point guard who has already logged minutes for the Philippines in FIBA youth competition. Williams starred for Hudson Catholic Regional High School in New Jersey and represented the Philippines at both the U16 Asian Championship and the U17 Basketball World Cup. His international exposure and playmaking ability give Phenom trusted ball-handling and experience against top youth talent.
Another key piece in the lineup is Joaquin Wagan, a San Beda Red Cubs product who brings competitive juniors basketball experience to the mix.
Rounding out the roster are athletes who bring physicality, length, and versatility. Arle Podador, Ram Sharma, Champ Areola, Macky Peligrino, Matt Cayetano, Rene Baterbonia (Palarong Pambansa MVP), JM Sanoria, King Macias, Troy Gatoria, Kurt Nathan Vazquez, Carlo John Ynot, and Andre Lorenzo offer a blend of inside presence, athletic wing play, and energy that will be vital over a long NBTC campaign. Their varied backgrounds reflect the growing trend of club-based programs drawing talent from across divisions and leagues.
Behind the bench, Phenom will rely on a coaching lineup led by Ogie Ng, Oliver Bunye, Jess Evangelio, John Pelotos, Mike Buendia, and Joseph Gabriel. This group, a few of them part of DLSU’s title-winning staff in the UAAP, brings a mix of tactical acumen, player development experience, and firsthand knowledge of Philippine youth basketball. Conditioning and strength programming will be overseen by Miguel Olfato and Nico Francisco. Joevince Eusebio will play the role of sports psychologist.
Brodett emphasized the challenge ahead: “We will just do our best to compete against the best Filipino programs in the world. High respect to Coach Chris Gopez and Fil-Am Nation for putting the bar high that helps us and the rest of Philippine basketball youth to get better and push ourselves to be better. Also, the school programs like UST, Letran, NU, FEU. Just to compete with these programs is great experience for our boys.”
