MANILA, Philippines — Fil-Am coach Jimmy Alapag is looking to be a role model for the next generation of players and coaches with his journey to the NBA G League.
In a short interview with his G League team Stockton Kings, Alapag spoke about how grateful he was to be at pace to fulfill his dream of coaching in the NBA.
"I think it's important [that] whatever it is that you love and whatever it is that you're passionate about, I think, you know, you have to keep pushing and keep going," Alapag said.
"I know how thankful and how blessed I am to have this opportunity in the G League, and again hopefully it serves as, you know, encouragement and motivation for the next young player or young coach who wants to be here," he added.
Alapag is one of the few Asian-Americans, and Filipino-Americans in particular, to have a break in a league like the NBA G League.
Knowing that his position is an extraordinary opportunity for coaches in the Philippines, the former Gilas stalwart is making sure he puts his best foot forward.
"Hopefully I can set the bar in terms of how I work and how I respect the position that I'm in to be on staff here and encourage them to hopefully be here someday as well," he said.
Alapag is currently serving as an assistant coach for Bobby Jackson.
He was given a full-time stint with the Stockton Kings after helping the Sacramento Kings win the NBA Summer League last year.
Currently, the Stockton Kings are 5th in the Western Conference of the NBA G League with a 7-5 record.