Kevin Alas and new NLEX Road Warriors head coach Jimmy Alapag have come full circle.
On Friday, they helped NLEX dismantle the Macau Giant Pandas, 114-75, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo for Alapag’s first win in the PBA as head coach.
Kevin Alas Thankful for Jimmy Alapag Reunion
Fans may have forgotten, but Alas and Alapag were once on the same team—with Alas a wide-eyed rookie for the then Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters and Alapag serving as team manager. Both were also in Gilas at about the same time, with The Captain as one of the team’s assistant coaches and Alas among the national team’s players.
Whether it was in TNT or in Gilas, Alapag was always a mentor to Alas—and the latter clearly hasn’t forgotten, telling reporters how thankful he is to be reunited with the PBA legend who helped him navigate the early part of his career.
“Rookie year ko, Jimmy was team manager [at TNT]. He was my mentor back then with TNT and Gilas. I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” he said after sparking NLEX against Macau.
Maximizing Opportunities
Perhaps not surprisingly, Kevin Alas was one of NLEX’s best players on Friday, tallying 19 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in nearly 20 minutes off the bench. Afterward, the former second overall pick chalked up his strong showing to seizing whatever opportunities Alapag will give him.
“When coach Jimmy arrived on day one, he’s trying to instill a culture in our team—do things the right way, play things the right way,” Alas pointed out. “At the same time, he’s giving opportunities to everyone, and it’s up to me and the guys to maximize the opportunity given by Coach Jimmy. It’s gonna be a long season, and we’re excited…”
Judging by the Road Warriors’ rousing opening-day performance, there is plenty to be excited about with Alapag now in control. And given his early history with The Captain, Alas might just see more opportunities come his way.
Indeed, a new day is dawning at NLEX.
