Jimmy Alapag is surely ready to answer the Gilas call.

The incoming NLEX head coach assured that he is open to join the coaching staff of current Gilas Pilipinas top mentor Tim Cone if he gets the invite to be with the national team once more.

Alapag, who had carved out an unforgettable career while playing with the national team, noted that he fully understands the responsibility of flying the country’s color and that he would never say no to representing it.

“You guys all know my history with the program. The Gilas program is very close to my heart because we’ll get the opportunity on the national team to represent all of us. Everyone here at home, our kababayans abroad,” said Alapag

“I understand that responsibility so if the opportunity is there down the road to be on the staff I’ll be open to it,” he added.

Alapag revealed that it was actually the conversation with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy that opened up the idea of coming back home.

“I had a great conversation with Ms. Erika Dy and she asked if I was going to be available to help the upcoming window. Not the current one in New Zealand, but the next one I believe in August,” Alapag recalled.

“And I explained to her that I was open to helping, but usually it was a time constraint to say, but there was the NBA season, there was just the pre-draft, there was just a summer league, so I would put a lot of time to come back home and help coach Tim and the staff,” he explained.

“But obviously, now that I'm back home, that opportunity is there, I'm always here to help.”

Alapag added that he had not talked with Cone yet but expects some discussion after the current window.

“I haven't had conversations with coach Tim yet. Obviously he had his hands full preparing for this window and I just got here Sunday with the family. For sure when they get back from the window we’ll find time to sit down,” said Alapag.