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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Jimmy Alapag on PH homecoming: 'It felt like the right time'

Jimmy Alapag on PH homecoming: 'It felt like the right time'

Published Jun 30, 2026 02:58 pm

At A Glance

  • Speaking in front of the press for the first time since being named as the new tactician of the Road Warriors, Alapag admitted that while he considers the decision as a big move not only for him but also for his family, he just couldn't pass up to the opportunity to come back home.

Incoming NLEX head coach Jimmy Alapag said it simply felt the right time for him to come back home and share the knowledge he got from a fruitful six-year stint in the NBA.

Speaking in front of the press for the first time since being named as the new tactician of the Road Warriors, Alapag admitted that while he considers the decision as a big move not only for him but also for his family, he just couldn’t pass up to the opportunity to come back home.

“I think it just felt like it was the right time. Almost six years in the NBA, I've had an 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,” said Alapag on Tuesday, June 30, at the Dave and Buster’s in Opus Mall in Pasig City.

“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,” he stressed.

Alapag disclosed that Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy was the first one to reach out to him, asking if he could help Gilas Pilipinas as part of its coaching staff.

The call led from one thing to another as Alapag, after parting ways with the Sacramento Kings where he served as a player development coach, ended up signing with the Road Warriors.

“It was definitely a big move,” said Alapag, who returned to the country alongside wife LJ and his four kids.

“For those of you that don't know, LJ and I added one child while we were in the States, so we now have four. So it was a big move for our family. I'm thankful for her support,” said the 48-year-old PBA great.

With NLEX, Alapag is inheriting a squad brimming with talent led by Robert Bolick and Kevin Alas, along with young guns Schonny Winston, LJ Gonzales and Xyrus Torres.

Related Tags

Jimmy Alapag NLEX Road Warriors PBA PBA Governor\'s Cup
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