Jimmy Alapag is now officially the head coach of the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA. A head coaching job with Gilas Pilipinas might be in store in the future. In fact, it’s probably one big reason Alapag felt it was “the right time” to come back home to the Philippines.
“At the time I got the phone call from Miss Erika, I was still in contact with probably seven or eight NBA teams, exploring potential opportunities as a player development coach, possibly as assistant coach,” he told reporters at a press conference organized by VP Global Management in Pasig City on Tuesday. “But again, once the conversation started about Gilas and a possible opportunity to come as head coach, it just felt like the right time to come home. It’s a great time not just for myself, but for LJ [Moreno-Alapag] and the kids. They get a chance to see what it’s like to be home.”
Miss Erika, of course, is Erika Dy, the executive director of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, or SBP. In her capacity, she is part of the SBP brain trust that handles day-to-day operations and strategic planning directions, and is no doubt in the loop about the federation’s future plans.
Alapag Wants to Give Back to Local Hoops
It turns out, a potential Gilas head coaching stint was enough enticement for Alapag to finally come back home after a long stay in the US. And now that he’s here, expect The Captain to share all he has learned in the NBA with the local hoops scene—first by way of NLEX.
“It just felt like it was the right time. Almost six years in the NBA, I’ve had the opportunity to see a lot, to learn a lot. And I know how much it’s allowed me to grow. Not just as a husband, as a father, but also as a coach,” Alapag said. “To have an opportunity to come back home and be able to pour all of that knowledge and all that wisdom that I’ve gained in the NBA, and to pour that back into Philippine basketball, it felt like now was the right time.”
The timing is perfect. Young talent are taking over local basketball, and they need teachers with extensive knowledge of hoops. Alapag fits that bill thanks to those six years with the Sacramento Kings. The best part is that he also has been following the PBA from afar.
“Overall, I’ve definitely followed the league. You see the new talent, and it’s great. It’s great for the country, it’s great for Philippine basketball,” he noted. “Again, that’s one of the most fulfilling parts for me—being able to come back and to pour into the young talent we have today everything I’ve learned in the NBA.”
If that knowledge transfer translates in any way to winning, don’t be surprised if Jimmy Alapag takes over Gilas Pilipinas soon enough.
