Kieffer Alas out for Gilas Boys in FIBA U17 World Cup due to knee injury

High school standout Kieffer Alas will not be included in the Gilas Pilipinas roster for the FIBA U17 World Cup, according to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Friday, due to a knee injury.

SBP said Alas had the injury during the team's tuneup match against Canada.

"On initial examination by our team doctor, he had a functionally stable knee and the official result of his MRI determined Kieffer has a sprained ACL,” head coach Josh Reyes said in a release by the basketball body.

“His knee is swollen and he’ll be out for three weeks. We will be monitoring his situation closely.”

With the unfortunate incident, Reyes said they would have to move forward without Alas.

"It’s a tough break for us but the rest of the team is motivated to play together. We’re praying for good results on Kieffer’s MRI but we have to move forward and quickly figure out how to play without him," said the Gilas Boys coach.

Champ Arejola will take Alas' spot in the lineup.

The Philippines will start its campaign in the FIBA U17 World Cup on Saturday against Lithuania.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News