The Manila Times

Alapag embraces new challenge

REY JOBLE

“THE Mighty Mouse” Jimmy Alapag has embarked on a coaching journey in the United States and what better way to start a new career than becoming a part of a champion team — Sacramento Kings — who ruled the 2021 NBA Summer League.

The Filipino-American point guard, who retired in the PBA as the record holder for most number of three-point shots made, is now bracing for a new challenge as part of the coaching staff of the Stockton Kings in the NBA G League.

Alapag is set to meet with the management of the Kings to determine his primary role in the squad.

“They’re going to have a staff meeting (in Sacramento) in a couple of weeks to really learn more about our roles for the upcoming season,” said Alapag. “But I think it’s going to be similar to my past role this summer, really helping on the offensive side of the ball with Coach Bobby (Jackson) and really just being flexible in what I do within the coaching staff — whether it’s scouting, a little bit of video, preparation for practice. It’s great.”

Jackson and former Sacramento Kings teammate Doug Christie are among the former NBA players Alapag is working with in the Kings coaching staff.

“It’s allowing me to continue my growth as a coach and continue to go along that learning curve. To be around Coach Bobby, knowing that he’s a former player, and he’s been around the NBA for quite a long time. So, I’m definitely thankful for the opportunity and looking forward to this season,” he said.

For Alapag, coaching in the NBA — even with its affiliated G League squads — is a dream come true.

“Whatever field you’re in, you want to be at the highest level. You want to be the best doctor, you want to be the best lawyer, you want to be the best entertainer or whatever it might be. For me, being in the NBA or the NBA G League, it’s another step closer. I’ve seen the talent on the court with the players and just being around again,” replied Alapag at the No Holds Barred Podcast episode of The Manila Times.

“I had to remind myself, knowing that I was just sitting around next to Coach Bobby (Jackson), whom I grew up watching and played in so many classic series in the NBA against the (LA) Lakers during that time, which I’m glued to the TV during those days and now, fast forward, years later, it’s a blessing for sure. To be around with some of the best minds in the game and with the players as well, I think that’s been the ultimate goal.”

Even though he retired from the PBA at the end of the 2016 season, Alapag has never left basketball.

Three years ago, he won his first ever championship as head coach for the San Miguel-Alab Pilipinas team in the Asean Basketball League. His successful stint there earned him a spot in the Beermen’s PBA squad where he served as one of the assistant coaches of Leo Austria.

He was a part of the Beermen’s two championship teams in 2019.

Alapag was also tapped as an assistant coach for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2015 FIBA Asia Cup and 2016 Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Sports

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2021-09-18T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-18T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://digitaledition.manilatimes.net/article/282016150460659

The Manila Times