MUR PRINCE Alao is 6-1 combo guard with more than nine years of experience as a mainstay of the multi-titled San Beda Red Cubs in the NCAA.

He is now looking forward to play for the De La Salle University in the UAAP.

To his fans and supporters in the basketball community, he is a “Prince who can’t wait to be King”.

“I am really very thankful for the opportunity to play for the best teams in basketball. First with San Beda in the NCAA and now, La Salle in the UAAP,” said Alao in an interview with People’s Tonight recently.

“Sa nine years ko sa San Beda, marami rin ako natutunan sa mga naging coaches ko, especially with coach VL Sandalo, coach Manu Iñigo, coach Andy, coach Noli, coach Arnel. I can say mas lalo akong nahubog, mas lalo akong gumaling, mas lalo akong nag matured sa basketball dahil sa kanila. Sa San Beda talaga ako nakilala kaya thankful ako sa mahabang pinagsamahan namin,” added Alao, son of Pilipinas Super League vice-president Ray Alao.

“Salamat po talaga sa supporta at tulong nina Congresswoman Claudine Diana Bautista-Lim, Gov. Claude Bautista, and Mayor Dinko Baustita sa pagbibigay ng chance sa akin makalaro sa La Salle University.”

The 18-year-old Alao is expected to strut his wares with the Taft-based Archers for the coming PBA D-League starting this Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup.

He is also expected to don the La Salle colors in the UAAP Season 85 campaign this October.

Asked why he chose La Salle in collegiate action, Alao said there was no doubt in making his choice.

“One of the reasons is because my Dad is connected with the Davao Occidental Tigers. Nandun sina Gov at Congress- woman sa team. Sabi nga nila akin, mas magiging maganda yung career ko kung ma-showcase ko yun talent ko sa La Salle sa UAAP,” explained Alao, who also trained under Coach Vincent Askew in Guam, USA.

“Pinili ko talaga ang La Salle to showcase my talent in the UAAP.” admitted Alao, who also considered established UAAP teams Ateneo, UP and FEU as his destinations.

At La Salle, Alao hopes to bring his leadership and ball-handling ability to the team.

“As a point guard, I need to stabilize the team and make sure my teammates are in the right position and everything. Sabi nga, the point guard should make life easier for his teammates while on the court.So I can say, I have to bring leadership and ball-handling ability to the team,” explained Alao, who joins Renren Ritualo, JVee Casio, Andrei Caracut, and Evan Nelle as the former San Beda players who moved to La Salle.

Alao also admitted he is still working on improving his defensive ability.

“Yun siguro talaga ang kailangan ko pa ma-improve. Pero lagi naman ako ginagabayan ng mga kuya ko sa Davao Occidental Tigers. Nandun sina Tito Bonbon (Custodio) at Kuya John (Wilson) kaya kapag may nakita silang mali ko, kino-korek nila agad ako,” Alao said.

“Kaya excited na talaga ako makalaro sa La Salle sa UAAP. Yun UP-Ateneo championship game sa UAAP, pinanood ko. Nakita ko yun crowd, nakita ko yun environment. Gustong-gusto ko talaga maglaro sa ganung ka-laking stage sa basketball, especially with La Salle,”said Alao, who was also part of the Gilas Youth pool handled by Ateneo Blue Eagles assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga.

“But I know madami pa akong kailangan gawin para talagang mag-excel, lalo na sa La Salle sa UAAP. I am willing to learn,” added Alao, who also honed his skills as a player in several well-known youth-oriented leagues, such as the Pinoy Youth Dreamers (PYD) of coach Beaujing Acot.