Alapag: Nothing like playing against the best at home

From Sacramento, California, where he now resides with his family, and where only recently he was appointed the player development coach of the NBA’s Kings, former Gilas Pilipinas star Jimmy Alapag has sent his best wishes Friday to the Philippine team minutes before it debuted in the FIBA Basketball World Cup against Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

“All my prayers and well wishes for the Gilas team,” Alapag said via FB Messenger. “Wish I could be there in person too.”

Jimmy Alapag FIBA PHOTO 

Alapag would have been a welcome addition to the Nationals in their bid to secure a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics by becoming the highest Asian finisher in the World Cup.

After all, his exploits during the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Seville, Spain – where he averaged 9.2 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists – are legendary and now part of Philippine basketball history.

He had 14 points in the Group Phase against Luis Scola and Argentina, which the Philippines narrowly lost, 85-81, and reserved his best later for Senegal and Gorgui Dieng, an 18-point blast as the Nationals forged a heart-stopping 81-79 overtime victory for the country’s first World Cup triumph in four decades.

While Alapag achieved heights in his pro playing career that most of his peers could only dream of scaling, he could be best remembered for his role during the 2013 FIBA Asian Championship semifinal at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Before a screaming and weeping hometown crowd, Alapag scored 14 points, including four three-point shots, as the Philippines brought down South Korea 86-79 to clinch a spot to the FIBA World Cup in Spain the following year.

Even that, though, pales to experiencing this World Cup, according to Alapag. “Nothing like playing against the best in the world at home!!” he said.

While the 2023-2024 NBA season starts in two months, with Alapag, whose parents are immigrants from Leyte, probably joining Sacramento head coach Mike Brown on the bench, the 2011 PBA MVP is already making plans for a homecoming next year.

“Hoping to come back and visit after the NBA season,” he said. “Maybe do a camp while I’m there as well.”

He then adds: “Please send my regards to everyone in the PBA.”