From Sacramento, California, where he now resides with his family and where he was appointed the player development coach of the NBA’s Kings only recently, former Gilas Pilipinas star Jimmy Alapag sent his best wishes on Friday to the Philippine team just minutes before its debut in the FIBA Basketball World Cup against the Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
“All my prayers and well wishes for the Gilas team,” Alapag said via Messenger.
“I wish I could be there in person too.”
Alapag would have been a welcome addition to the Nationals in their bid to secure a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics by becoming the highest finishing Asian team in the World Cup. After all, his exploits during the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Seville, Spain, where he averaged 9.2 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, are legendary and now part of Philippine basketball history.
He scored 14 points in the Group Phase against Luis Scola and Argentina, a game that the Philippines narrowly lost 85-81, and he saved his best performance for later against Senegal and Gorgui Dieng. He scored 18 points in a dramatic display, leading the Nationals to a heart-stopping 81-79 overtime victory for the country’s first World Cup triumph in four decades.
While Alapag achieved heights in his professional playing career that most of his peers could only dream of reaching, he might be best remembered for his role during the 2013 FIBA Asian Championship semifinal at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Before a cheering and tearful hometown crowd, Alapag scored 14 points, including four three-point shots, as the Philippines defeated South Korea 86-79 to secure a spot in the FIBA World Cup in Spain the following year.
Even that incredible moment pales in comparison to experiencing this World Cup, according to Alapag. “There’s nothing quite like playing against the best in the world at home!!” he said.
While the 2023-2024 NBA season is set to start in two months, Alapag, whose parents are immigrants from Leyte, will likely join Sacramento head coach Mike Brown on the bench. The 2011 PBA MVP is already making plans for a homecoming next year.
“I’m hoping to come back and visit after the NBA season,” he said. “Maybe I’ll also conduct a camp while I’m there.”
He then adds: “Please send my regards to everyone in the PBA.”
