Alapag hits peak of international career in gutsy stand vs Argentina

SEVILLE, Spain – Set to move out of the national team after the 2014 FIBA World Cup, Jimmy Alapag would have wanted to be remembered beating Argentina.

At the moment with the world meet not yet over, Alapag has had his biggest moments in the last 11 minutes of the riveting Philippines-Argentina game where he gave the Argentines and their huge throng shivers.

Draining the last of his four 3-pointers in the clutch, Alapag silenced the flag-waiving, singing, chanting and cheering Argentine gallery as Gilas moved to within one at 81-82.

At 81-83 in the last 24 seconds, Gilas coach Chot Reyes designed a make-or-break three-point play for Alapag but the 2011 PBA MVP awardee would be denied of possession and the Nationals would fall short of a giant upset.

“I would rather want remembered beating Argentina. But sometimes, you have to have building blocks. This is our first time in the worlds for a long time. But no matter what in our last two games, I’m really confident we’ll build on this and we’ll be back on the world stage soon,” said Alapag.

“Losing by one possession against the No. 3 in the world? If you’ve told me that on the bus going here, I would take that any time,” Alapag also said.

Whatever happens in Gilas’ last two games, the Argentina game would be a high point in Alapag’s career and in Gilas Pilipinas’ Seville journey.

“Absolutely, for how many opportunities in your life you get to play the no. 3 team in the world. We fought everybody step of the way. We gave ourselves an opportunity to win,” said the 5-foot-9 guard from Cal State San Bernardino who’s been a national team regular since the 2007 Tokushima Asian meet.

“You want to make our country proud. You want to make them proud with your effort and style of play, and I think we’re able to do that against the No. 3 team in the world,” he added.

He’s confident they’re not yet done in the tourney.

“This is my last tournament. With my brothers in the dugout, we want to fight, we want to show that we deserve to be here.  Early on, they thought we don’t deserve to be here. They do now,” he said.

But after Seville, Alapag insisted he’s done donning the national jersey, pointing out Philippine basketball needs younger guys to continue its progress.

“I’ve spoken to coach, this is my last,” he said. “In order for our country to improve and to progress, we have to get the other guys to have the experience and keep the progression of our country going,” he said.

“I wouldn’t change my years as a national player for anything, but it’s time for other guys to take over and take the rein for our team. We need it,” he added.

Take a bow, Jimmy! You’ve served the country well.