Alapag a big help to Meralco says Black

MANILA, Philippines -- With veteran playmaker Jimmy Alapag making a grand comeback after a five-month PBA retirement, Meralco coach Norman Black believes the Bolts will benefit greatly from the 5-foot-7 Fil-Am guard’s leadership as they prepare for the pro league’s 41st season.

Nicknamed ‘Mighty Mouse’, Alapag’s first official move to come out of retirement saw him go through a three-team trade on Friday involving Meralco, Blackwater and Talk ‘N Text.

The 36-year-old Alapag, who played his first 12 seasons with the Tropang Texters, ended up with the Bolts. The Bolts earlier, agreed to send starting point guard Mike Cortez and backup big man James Sena to the Elite.

Talk ‘N Text, meantime, reacquired Larry Rodriguez from Blackwater.

Black said the arrival of Alapag will be a big boost to the Bolts, having been part of Talk ‘N Text’s seven PBA championships since entering the league as the 10th overall pick in the 2003 rookie draft.

“I was with Jimmy for the last four years, since the time I served as consultant, and then, as coach of Talk ‘N Text. And Jimmy indicated to us that he wanted ti play again so I took that to management, and they thought it was a good idea to come back and play for Meralco,” Black confided to Philstar.com on Friday.

Given Alapag’s track record as a winner in the PBA and the leadership he has shown with Gilas Pilipinas the last two years, Black is confident the Bolts can stand to benefit from his presence.

“I think he’ll be a big help to the team as far as his talent. Although he’s older now, but he can shoot the ball well, he’s a very steady point guard, who takes good care of the basketball and he executes the plays well,” added Black, an 11-time PBA champion coach.

Aside from Alapag, who is currently joining Gilas Pilipinas in practice, Black hopes the return of Rabeh Al-Hussaini after a one-year sabbatical, can add size and youth to Meralco’s undersized front court.

“I’m pretty familiar with Rabeh already and I’m willing to work with him,” said Black.

“I know he’s also played for the Kuwaiti league.”

The Bolts, who finished with an even 21-21 win-loss record under Black last season, could further boost their roster in the coming PBA Annual Rookie draft since they own the fourth and seventh pick.

Fil-Tongan big man Moala Tautuaa is the consensus top pick, with former National University slotman Troy Rosario expected to come in second.

The rookie draft is set on Aug. 23 at the Robinsons Ermita, Manila.