Fate has nothing on faith.
It's tough to witness a good guy like Kevin Alas get struck by one bad luck after another. It's as if fate routinely plays terrible jokes on him, constantly threatening his fortitude.
But if there's one thing more powerful than fate, it's probably faith.
And that, Alas has a deep bag of.
On Monday, the NLEX Road Warriors announced that the star guard suffered an ACL tear in his right knee.
"Our prayers are with Kevin for a swift and successful rehabilitation," said the Road Warriors in a statement, adding that a recovery plan is already being formulated for Alas. "During this challenging time, we are committed to providing Kevin with unwavering support, resources, and encouragement."
The prolific playmaker sustained the brutal injury in the first quarter of their game against the Terrafirma Dyip in the PBA Commissioner's Cup last Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
This is Alas' third ACL tear, with the first two happening in back-to-back years in 2018 and 2019.
Despite yet another profound setback, the 32-year-old's faith remains intact.
A few minutes after NLEX's announcement, Alas posted spiritual verses on Facebook, talking about putting one's trust in God. He also shared two pictures of him in the hospital, together with his wife, former PBA courtside reporter Selina Dagdag-Alas.
"My knee may be hurting but my spirit is not broken because I have Jesus Christ in my life," wrote Alas.
He also doesn't need to look far for inspiration. Dagdag-Alas was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer last year. After three months, with her husband aiding her in every step of her recovery, she conquered it. This is not an official diagnosis but here goes: Her strong faith had something to do with it too.
Once again, Alas will be out of commission for an extended time. It's a gut-punch for the Road Warriors, who will miss their top local player and seasoned spiritual leader.
Alas was coming off a gold medal stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the Asian Games and a three-year contract extension with NLEX. Just when things were looking up for him, here he is again: Waiting, reflecting, and enduring.
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His trek back to the top will be daunting. Maddening, even, at times. Although he's survived it before—twice—the journey is different every time. But with his wife, family, and the Road Warriors behind him, the compass will be reassuringly familiar.
"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand," added Alas, quoting Proverbs 19:21.
The two-time winner of the PBA Sportsmanship Award has always been proud of his faith. Now, he's leaning to it once again, with deeper conviction seared in his soul, as he overcomes another hurdle that fate has mockingly placed in front of him.
And if there's one thing Alas has proven time and again, his faith is undefeated.