Alapag relishes triumphant PBA homecoming as NLEX coach

MANILA, Philippines -- About half a decade after heading to the United States to coach for the Sacramento Kings, Jimmy Alapag is back on the sidelines of the PBA. 

Alapag had an explosive head coaching debut for the NLEX Road Warriors Friday evening, as his squad exploded against the Macau Giant Pandas by 39 points, 114-75, in their PBA Governors’ Cup opener. 

In his first PBA game as the head coach, Alapag steered the Road Warriors to the largest winning margin in franchise history against Macau. 

After the game, Alapag said it was “masaya just to be home” as he brings his international coaching experience back in Philippine shores.

“Saya, just to be home. Obviously, before I left in 2020, my wife and our family were here for 19 years. And the last six years, like I told you guys at the press conference when I arrived, I've seen a lot, learned a lot in my time in the NBA. That's where fulfillment now is,” Alapag said. 

“I'm far removed from play, but to take everything that I've learned from my experience here, Kasama sa Gilas, and now my experience being back in the States, to pour that into this group and this generation of Philippine basketball, that's the exciting part. And again, I'm grateful for this opportunity and excited to continue to coach this group,” he added. 

Alapag is now the new head coach of NLEX, as he replaced Jong Uichico. Uichico remains as the team’s deputy coach. 

And in his head coaching debut, NLEX made 43 of their 95 shots in the game and dished out 30 assists. 

“Sobrang layo pa and that's what I told the group, we're going to be… this conference is extended further than usual for an import conference. So our ability to continue to work, continue to build, and I think most importantly, just continue to grow, them as players and even myself as a coach together with our staff,” Alapag said. 

“But again, happy, happy. It's always great to get the first win, especially being back home.” 

It is not only a reunion for Alapag and the PBA. He also reunited with former teammate Asi Taulava, who is also with NLEX. 

“I mean, it's great. Obviously, you guys know, you know, way, way, way back in ‘03 when my, when my career started. You know, we had a lot of success together. He's one of the most dominant guys to ever play in the PBA. So great to see him,” he said. 

“Just like I said, being back home and being able to see everyone around the PBA, getting a chance to see you guys. It's funny. It's only been six years, but it felt longer. But it feels good to be home.” 

The Road Warriors will try to keep it going as they take on the Terrafirma Dyip on Sunday at the Ynares Montalban.