At A Glance
- After years of overseas stint, Jimmy Alapag, one of the Philippine basketball's best point guards, returned to the PBA after being appointed as the newest head coach of the NLEX Road Warriors, the team announced Monday, June 29.
PBA and national team great Jimmy Alapag is the newest NLEX head coach. (NLEX Road Warriors)
After years of overseas stint, Jimmy Alapag, one of the Philippine basketball's best point guards, returned to the PBA after being appointed as the newest head coach of the NLEX Road Warriors, the team announced Monday, June 29.
The 48-year-old Alapag is set to make his comeback in the league where played for 16 seasons with the TNT franchise.
“As we prepare for the upcoming conference, the NLEX management believes this is the right time to introduce renewed leadership while preserving the continuity and identity that the team has built,” the team wrote on its social media post.
“Coach Jimmy brings valuable experience from an NBA organization, a strong basketball philosophy, and a player-centered approach that we believe can help elevate the team to the next level,” it added.
For NLEX, appointing Alapag as its tactician could help the club reach its full potential as one of PBA's title contenders.
“This move is about strengthening the program, combining fresh perspectives with continuity, and giving ourselves the best opportunity to achieve our goal of becoming a championship-caliber team,” it continued.
Prior to his new role, Alapag had served as an assistant for G-League’s Stockton Kings for two years before he became a player development coach for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA.
As a player, Alapag led the Tropang Texters to six PBA titles. He also won two championships as an assistant for the San Miguel Beermen.
The skillful 5-foot-9 guard was also former national team member, a stint that was highlighted by his stellar Gilas Pilipinas showing in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain.