Going full circle
Jimmy Alapag admitted that returning to the Philippines wasn’t an option six years ago when, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his family left for the United States to pursue better opportunities.
“At the time, maybe not,” Alapag told the Inquirer on Tuesday, when asked if this homecoming was in any way planned. “[But that was] just because of the pandemic.”
And when an offer to coach in the PBA, NLEX in this case, came—a chance which is very hard to pass up on—Alapag knew it was time to take the gang back home.
It has turned into a full-circle moment for the “Mighty Mouse,” the former Talk ‘N Text and national five-star.
“The time we spent in the US and the NBA, it was invaluable,” Alapag continued. “I think it allowed me to grow as a coach and now puts me in a better position to not only help NLEX, but hopefully Philippine basketball in the future.”
Alapag returned this week to begin his new coaching challenge, which is to turn the fortunes of a Road Warriors squad that has struggled to build on past elimination round successes into deep playoff runs.
The former Gilas Pilipinas star comes in carrying experience gained in the NBA as a player development coach for the Sacramento Kings.
He joined the Kings staff during the 2023-24 season from their G League affiliate Stockton Kings, after gaining a good impression on then-coach Mike Brown, who, just weeks ago steered the New York Knicks to the NBA championship.
Connection
“Coach Brown is big on the team being connected,” Alapag said. “You hear that word a lot with coach Brown. He strives to have his players and his team be connected on and off the court.”
It’s one of the things Alapag will try to have the Road Warriors buy into.
He inherits a lineup that is going to be led by Robert Bolick, the superstar guard known for his high-scoring offense and facilitating skills.
“Obviously, he’s played at a very high level,” Alapag said. “I think he’s been in the running for the MVP the past few seasons. I think it’s just to continue to help him with his growth as a player.
“It’s not winning MVP when you have arguably the greatest player ever to play in the PBA, June Mar Fajardo, is still around,” Alapag went on. “But whatever I can do to help him and help him to have even more success in his career, that’s why I’m here.”
Alapag’s hiring became official on Monday after meeting team owner Manny Pangilinan and NLEX officials.
Before Tuesday’s press conference, he was at the Road Warriors’ tuneup game against the Blackwater Bossing at the University of the Philippines campus.
He watched from the sidelines, allowing the assistants to run the show while getting a first-hand look at the team, as he asked team personnel questions on several players.
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