“A new challenge awaits.”
With those words, former Gilas Pilipinas and Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters team captain Jimmy “Mighty Mouse” Alapag officially ended his career as a professional basketball player.
For nearly 12 years, the Mighty Mouse provided inspiration to the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters and later on leadership for the Gilas Pilipinas national team.
The No.2 all-time best three-point shooter has decided to step down to assume bigger responsibilities in the MVP Group, including being part of the Gilas Pilipinas coaching staff.
“It’s a good time for me to step down because Talk ‘N Text and Gilas Pilipinas [are] now in good hands,” said Alapag.
Alapag’s decorated career in the Philippine basketball scene began 12 years ago- January 12, 2003 to be exact- when he was drafted as the last pick of the first round of the 2003 PBA Draft. Immediately, Alapag, together with Asi Taulava, formed one of the most formidable 1-2 punches in the league. The duo led the 2003 Talk ‘N Text squad in winning the 2003 All Filipino Cup after defeating the Coca Cola Tigers. By the end of his first season, Alapag averaged 14.5 points, 7.02 assists and 6.54 rebounds to win the 2003-04 season’s Rookie of the Year trophy.
For the next 11 years, Alapag led the Talk ‘N Text franchise to seven championships, including five All Filipino Cup trophies. The Mighty Mouse reached the top of the Philippine basketball mountain with his winning the 2011 PBA Most Valuable Player award with averages of 12.43 points, 5.44 assists and 2.86 rebounds.
Alapag was not only Talk ‘N Text’s team captain, but was also the captain of the National Men’s Basketball team. Alapag became the face of the national squad that brought Philippine basketball into the global scene. Gilas Pilipinas placed second in the 2013 FIBA Asia Tournament to punch a ticket to the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
Alapag will still be with the only team he ever suited up for, even after retirement, as he will replace current National Team head coach Tab Baldwin as the Tropang Texters’ team manager. In addition, Alapag will serve as the assistant coach for the next iteration of the National Men’s Basketball team.
“It’s an opportunity for me to help as team manager of Talk ‘N Text and assistant coach of Coach Tab at Gilas,” added Alapag.
Jimmy Alapag’s accomplishments
| PBA All Filipino Cup Champion (2003) |
| PBA Commissioner’s Cup champion (2011) |
| 4x PBA Philippine Cup Champion (2009, 2011, 2012, 2013) |
| PBA Commissioner’s Cup Co-Finals MVP (w/Jayson Castro) (2011) |
| PBA Most Valuable Player (2011) |
| PBA Commissioner’s Cup Best Player of the Conference (2011) |
| PBA Rookie of The Year (2003) |
| PBA 3-Point Shootout Champion (2003) |
| 9x PBA All-Star (2003-2011) |
| PBA All-Star Co-Most Valuable Player (w/Asi Taulava) (2004) |
| 3x PBA Mythical First Team (2003, 2005, 2011) |
| PBA All-Defensive First Team (2003) |
All-Time List (As of this writing)
| 3 points made | |
| 1. Allan Caidic | 1242 |
| 2. Jimmy Alapag | 1177 |
| 3. Ronnie Magsanoc | 1171 |
| Assists | |
| 6. Ronnie Magsanoc | 3228 |
| 7. Jimmy Alapag | 3219 |
| 8. Philip Cezar | 3130 |
| Points Scored | |
| 41. Dondon Hontiveros | 7032 |
42. Jimmy Alapag | 6906 |
| 43. Paul Alvarez | 6626 |
| Free Throws Made | |
| 31. Francis Arnaiz | 1520 |
32. Jimmy Alapag | 1473 |
| 33. Yoyoy Villamin | 1459 |
