Louie Alas has been appointed interim head coach of the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team as the program moves forward amid an ongoing investigation into the deaths of players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili.

Alas, who joined Ateneo’s staff as an assistant coach in 2024, brings experience from his three NCAA championships with Letran and a previous PBA head coaching stint with Phoenix Super LPG.

Former Blue Eagle Nico Salva was named interim team manager, while RJ Jazul joins the coaching staff. Alas is also considering former player Kerby Raymundo as an assistant coach.

Ateneo canceled its overseas training camps and local tournament participation following the incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, but will continue conditioning work. Players are set to undergo physical examinations ahead of the August school year.

Alas was also reportedly not present during the controversial training activity in Aurora.

Earlier, Ateneo told the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that former coach Tab Baldwin was a consultant, not an employee, as the agency reviews whether he holds an alien employment permit.