Jayson Castro has emerged as the lead guard for the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters. Rookie Kevin Alas has been able to come in and provide quality minutes. And Jimmy Alapag?
The team captain was reduced to a new role – to provide inspiration by cheering the team on and encouraging them to continue playing hard.
The sudden reversal of roles has become more evident this season and it happened again in the playoffs where Alapag usually saves his best. The team captain played for only eight minutes. He didn’t take a single attempt and dished out two assists and grabbed two rebounds.
Alapag said he would welcome whatever role is asked of him by head coach Jong Uichico.
“You can’t tell the coach what to do because he’s a (future) Hall of Famer and his resume speaks for itself,” said Alapag. “Whether I play limited minutes or extended minutes, it’s about getting ready. So what I’m trying to do now, I spend extra minutes during practice, doing extra workout so when my number is called, I will be ready.”
Alas said he still considers himself as a third-string guard and is learning from more experienced players like Castro and Alapag.
“Pangatlong point guard pa rin naman ako ngayon eh,” he added. “But I have to be ready every time gamitin ako. Dapat quality parati.” Castro said rookies like Alas and Matt Ganuelas-Rosser provide the team with an added dimension.
“Sila yung energy guys namin. Si Kevin maganda yung nilaro coming off the bench,” he added.
