Louie Alas Suspended for Ateneo–FEU Game Following Infractions

Ateneo head coach Louie Alas will miss the Blue Eagles’ game against Far Eastern University on Saturday, October 10, after the UAAP Commissioner’s Office handed him a one-game suspension for accumulating three infractions in the Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.

Two of the infractions stemmed from Ateneo’s game against De La Salle University on Wednesday, while the first occurred during its September 19 matchup with the University of the Philippines.

According to the Commissioner’s Office, assistant coach Kerby Raymundo verbally taunted La Salle’s Vhoris Marasigan from the bench following a foul call with 3:42 remaining in the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s game.

Alas was initially assessed a direct technical foul for unsportsmanlike behavior. The call was later changed to a bench technical foul.

At the same point in the game, Alas was also involved in physical misconduct toward opposing players, the league said. He forcefully attempted to pull one player to his feet before nudging another player with his elbow.

The incident was not seen by the officials on the floor. Following a review, the Commissioner’s Office assessed the physical misconduct as a disqualifying foul under the UAAP House Rules and applicable FIBA regulations.

“We will have to prepare thoroughly. If Coach Louie wont be present other coaches will have to step up in leading the team tomorrow,” Ateneo team manager Nico Salva said.

“Of course, they’ll still have the guidance of coach. We will be meeting later to further review, scout, and prep our assistant coaches & players.”

Alas’ first infraction came against UP, when Raymundo received a technical foul for improper bench decorum that was charged to the Ateneo head coach.

The suspension is scheduled to be served when Ateneo faces the FEU Tamaraws at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. The Commissioner’s Office said Ateneo may appeal the decision.