IT started out with a Gilas Pilipinas conversation and ended up with an NLEX head coaching stint.
Jimmy Alapag admitted he had initial talks with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas about his availability, but later found himself becoming the new coach of the Road Warriors.
“The funny part is that the first conversation is that the first was all about Gilas. I was in conversation with Ms, Erika (Dy) and she asked if I would be open to help,” said the PBA 2011 MVP and one of the PBA’s Greatest Players during the press briefing arranged for him by VP Global Athlete and Artist Management under his long-time agent and friend Charlie Dy.
“And I explained to her that I’m open to help”
READ: Alapag forgoes pursuing NBA coaching career to head back home
But somehow, somewhere the stint with the national team has to wait a bit.
The NLEX job however, was there for the picking.
Alapag referred to taking on the coaching job of the Road Warriors as a ‘big move,’ taking over the job previously held by champion coach Jong Uichico.
The 48-year-old former player development coach of the Sacramento Kings felt coming back home in the Philippines was the right time.
“It was time to come home and continue helping Philippine basketball,” he said.
Despite accepting the coaching job at NLEX, the Fil-Am guard added he’s still open to helping the Gilas Pilipinas program now being handled by coach Tim Cone.
As per talks with the SBP, Alapag said he could start making his personal inputs with the national team starting in the second round of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers this coming August.
“The Gilas program has been close to my heart and we get the opportunity on the national team to represent all of us, everyone here home and our kababayans abroad, And I understand that opportunity,” said Alapag.
The six-time PBA champion was officially named NLEX head coach on Monday, just a day after arriving from the US together with his wife, actress LJ Moreno and the rest of the family.
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