Once among PBA's best PGs, Jimmy Alapag thrilled to be passing the torch as NLEX coach

Jimmy Alapag, widely considered as one of the best point guards during his time in the PBA, has always focused on making those around him better.

And while his playing days are already behind him, that purpose remains the same as he took the opportunity to guide NLEX's young backcourt and pass on the lessons he learned from both his decorated playing career and his coaching journey in the NBA.

"We just actually came from the tune-up age this morning. I was able to have a conversation with the players. I’m just excited to get to work," Alapag said during a press conference on Tuesday at the Opus Mall.

"I just want to do my best to uplift the NLEX players. I think as a coach, it’s something that I learned from Coach (Mike) Brown during our time together at Sacramento before he moved on to New York and win a championship. He was all about being positive with the players and trying to encourage and uplift them to allow them to perform their best."

"That’s what I will try to implement here."

Alapag's decision to return to the Philippines, though, was difficult to make.

In 2020, Alapag and his family made the life-changing decision to move to the United States, opening the door to a new chapter in his basketball journey. He first joined the Stockton Kings as an assistant coach in the NBA G League before earning a promotion to the Sacramento Kings, where he served as a player development coach.

Six years later, an offer to call the shots for NLEX arrived.

"It’s great to be back, medyo matagal na. It’s almost been six years and so to be back at home, it’s a special time for. Thankful for this opportunity with NLEX," Alapag shared.

Now back in the PBA, the 48-year-old Alapag stressed he's excited to mentor the likes of Robert Bolick, Kevin Alas, Schonny Winston, Matt Nieto, and LJay Gonzales as the Road Warriors look to build on their stellar run last conference.

NLEX topped the elimination round of the PBA Commissioner's Cup but lost twice to TNT in the quarterfinals, bowing out of the competition.

"I thought they had a great elimination round. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out in the quarters but my message to them was I don’t care about what happened. I think it’s important for us to try to build on their success during the elimination," Alapag added.

"I’m excited to work with all the big talents like Bolick, Schonny Winston, Kevin Alas, Matt Nieto, LJay Gonzales. Again, part of my job is as a caoch is to try to help from my experience playing the same position and now my experience in the NBA."

Alapag will be tested right away as NLEX is set to face guest team Macau on the opening day of the Governors' Cup on July 10.

—JMB, GMA News