PBA: Retired Jimmy Alapag looking forward to 'one last opportunity' to connect with fans in All-Star game

After being included in the PBA All-Star lineup, Talk 'n Text point guard Jimmy Alapag is looking forward to giving the fans a fitting parting gift following his retirement last January 9.

His jersey was scheduled to be retired during the Tropang Texters' opening game in the Commissioner's Cup, but plans had changed after the league included him in the lineup for the mid-season event.

The blue and yellow Talk 'n Text jersey no. 3, which he wore in his 12 years in the league, will be retired instead in a ceremony to be held in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan in March during the All-Stars festivities.

"I told Commissioner Salud that I appreciate the gesture that him and the rest of the PBA decided to include me [in the All-Stars]," said Alapag, who was recently named as one of PBA's 40 Greatest Players, achieving a career milestone after passing Ronnie Magsanoc for the second spot in the all-time three point scoring list.

The Mighty Mouse will be the 13th member of the South team in the All-Star game, which will go against the North team composed of current PBA stars voted by fans and selected by the coaching staff.

"I know my retirement probably caught a lot of people by surprise so this gives me one last opportunity to connect with the fans and at the same time be out here with the best players in our country," said the former Gilas Pilipinas captain.

Asked what the fans could expect from his retirement game, the guard said he will show them the Jimmy Alapag they had been watching for his entire 12-year career.

"The same thing I've built my career on - going out there, enjoying the game and competing," Alapag said. "I'm excited and looking forward to it." - RAF, GMA News