Phoenix parts ways with Louie Alas, appoints Topex Robinson as interim head coach

Louie Alas is no longer the head coach of the Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters, team management announced on Friday.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Phoenix said it has began discussions on future plans with the possibility of a PBA restart amid the pandemic.

The team said associate head coach Topex Robinson will fill in as head coach on an interim basis.

[ANNOUNCEMENT 1/3] With the possibility of a PBA restart, the Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters have began discussions on its future plans. After much deliberation, management has decided to discontinue Mr. Louie Alas' services as Head Coach. pic.twitter.com/qsbYKD8OlM

— Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters (@fuelmasters) September 11, 2020

"We believe in Coach Topex's capacity to lead this team and we look forward to the Fuelmasters' resurgence as one of the league's exciting contenders," the management said.

In a statement released on Saturday, Alas said it has been an honor and privilege to coach the squad for the last three years.

"I have great respect for all the players I have coached, and I also want to thank all the coaches I have worked with who poured out their hearts and their efforts to the goal we envisioned to attain," said Alas.

pic.twitter.com/0W3WpG3GXG

— Louie Alas (@CoachLouieAlas) September 12, 2020

He also wished Robinson and the entire team the best in their future endeavors.

Alas led Phoenix to the no. 1 seed in the 2019 Philippine Cup. The team reached the semifinals but lost to perennial champion San Miguel Beer, 4-1. —MGP, GMA News