Alapag takes NLEX helm

MANILA, Philippines — TNT and Gilas legend Jimmy Alapag is opening a new chapter in the PBA as a first-time head coach.

Alapag took over the coaching chores for NLEX yesterday, bringing to the franchise his vast basketball knowledge and experience as player development coach of the Sacramento Kings in the NBA.

The 48-year-old Alapag, owner of six PBA championships during his playing years and one in his capacity as team manager of TNT, made his NLEX arrival official in a contract signing with top executives led by Metro Pacific Tollways chairman Manny V. Pangilinan.

Alapag, who won a championship in the Asean Basketball League as chief mentor of Alab Piipinas in 2018, replaced veteran Jong Uichico.

“Coach Jimmy brings valuable experience from an NBA organization, a strong basketball philosophy, and a player-centered approach that we believe can help elevate the team to the next level,” the Road Warriors said.

“This move is about strengthening the program, combining fresh perspectives with continuity, and giving ourselves the best opportunity to achieve our goal of becoming a championship-caliber team.”

“The Mighty Mouse” came on board ahead of the season-ending Commissioner’s Cup, tasked with guiding Robert Bolick and the Road Warriors to a deeper run after bombing out early in the last Commissioner’s Cup despite holding the No. 1 seeding.

Alapag will make his debut on the tournament’s opening night on July 10 at the Ynares Center-Antipolo, with his charges going up against guest team Macau in the 7:30 p.m. main game.

Opening hostilities in the conference for imports with a height limit of 6-foot-6 are the Terrafirma Dyip and the Titan Ultra Giant Risers at 5:15 p.m.

Action will swing to Ynares-Montalban on July 11 with Commissioner’s Cup semifinalist Rain or Shine taking on Blackwater in the curtain raiser and Phoenix battling Magnolia in the nightcap.

The games will remain in the Montalban venue on July 12 with NLEX and Terrafirma colliding and Converge launching its bid versus Titan.

Reigning Philippine Cup kingpin San Miguel Beer makes its tournament debut against the Pandas on July 14 at Ynares Antipolo as Meralco makes its first appearance on July 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum versus the Fuel Masters.

Defending champion TNT and Commissioner’s Cup titlist Barangay Ginebra will plunge into action on July 19 at the Big Dome against Macau and Phoenix, respectively.

The elimination round will play until Aug. 14 before the league takes a lengthy break for Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers and the Asian Games.

Hostilities will resume on Oct. 7.

NOTES: Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone liked what he saw as the Nationals put together a winning performance against the Manawatu Jets in the absence of top gun Justin Brownlee…As Brownlee got a breather and sat on the bench in the pre-FIBA World Cup Qualifiers tuneup game Sunday at Palmerston North in New Zealand, the Pinoy dribblers did things by committee to rout the Jets, 90-61…This augurs well as Gilas hits the court today for a followup tuneup against another NZ club, the Franklin Bulls, in Pukekohe town in the southern edge of the Auckland Region…“Mostly, we liked the balance of the scoring against the Jets, and the way RJ and Juan organized us into our sets,” Cone told The STAR, referring to his 11 players who scored at least four points under the baton of backcourt tandem RJ Abbarientos and Juan Gomez de Liaño…Cone also gave props to frontliners for getting the job done inside…“Big men rebounded well, but still lots to get better at,” he said…Cone raised the possibility of the 11 having to battle the Bulls on their own sans Brownlee in the 6:30 p.m. game at the Franklin Pool and Leisure Arena (2:30 p.m. Manila time)…“We’ll most likely continue to hold Justin out, so he is doubtful to play,” said the Gilas mentor…The Nationals are in the homestretch of their buildup for their twin road assignments in the third window of the WCQ in Oceania…After the Bulls, Cone’s troops duke it out with the Tall Blacks on Friday at Auckland’s Spark Arena before tackling Australia on Monday over at the RAC Arena in Perth.