Uichico out na sa NLEX, Alapag ipinalit

MANILA, Philippines — Si dating TNT Tropang 5G at Meralco point guard Jimmy Alapag ang bagong head coach ng NLEX para sa darating na PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

Papalitan ng 48-anyos na six-time PBA champion playmaker si Jong Uichico sa bench ng Road Warriors na kinapos sa nakaraang Commissioner’s Cup.

“It’s a great opportunity to continue my growth as a coach now being the head coach of NLEX. I’m also excited to help the franchise continue to grow and win,” wika kahapon ni Alapag na anim na taon namalagi sa United States kung saan siya naging assistant coach sa Stockton Kings sa G-League at player development coach sa Sacramento Kings mula 2023 hanggang sa pagtatapos ng 2025-26 NBA season.

Umakto rin siyang assistant coach sa Bolts at sa San Miguel Beermen sa PBA.

Isa sa PBA 50 Greatest Players, hinirang si Alapag bilang 2003 Rookie of the Year at 2011 Most Valuable Player.

“The team did very well in the eliminations last conference, and hopefully we can build off that. I haven’t seen the team yet, and I’m looking forward to meeting the staff and the players,” wika ni Alapag sa NLEX.

Inaasahan ni Alapag na magkukrus ang kanilang mga landas ni Magnolia coach LA Tenorio sa season-ending conference.

“Just looking forward to us competing again as coaches. I have the utmost love and respect for LA as he’s one of the great point guards of this league,” ani Alapag.

Ang Meralco at Blackwater ang opisyal na magbubukas sa PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup sa Hulyo 10 sa Ynares Center sa Antipolo City.