It was a surprise for those inside the Acropolis Gym in Libis, Quezon City when PBA legend Jimmy Alapag showed up for the San Miguel Beermen’s practice on the day star guard Terrence Romeo arrived, Thursday morning.
The man nicknamed the Mighty Mouse has just joined the league’s winningest franchise as its new assistant coach – a stunning move, knowing that Alapag has been a lifer for the other conglomerate that is the MVP Group.
“You never know. You never know what lies in the future,” said Alapag, who is now 41 years old.
For the former league Most Valuable Player, he’s just extremely grateful for the opportunity he’s been given. He now has the chance to gain more coaching experience from the likes of three-time Coach of the Year Leo Austria.
“This is a great learning opportunity for me with coach Leo, coach Ato [Agustin], the rest of the staff.
“My involvement here is to help – help coach Leo and his staff, help these players in whatever way I can,” said Alapag, who’s been coaching since 2015.
Another thing that Alapag is looking forward to is the chance to work again with reigning, four-time league MVP June Mar Fajardo. The two played for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2013 FIBA Asia tilt and in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain.
“It’s funny because seeing the growth of June Mar from 2013, that was just the start of what we’re all seeing now … It’s great to see his growth, and now to have an opportunity to really see it up-close on a daily basis, I’m excited.
‘He’s obviously one of the greatest players in the league so to get an opportunity this early stage of my coaching career, to get a chance to work with him along with the rest of the guys, I’m excited,” Alapag said.
Alapag arrived at SMB on the day Romeo did, making it something of a reunion between them as they also spent some time together with Gilas. Now that they’ve arrived at SMB, Alapag hopes he can help Romeo as well.
“I hope it doesn’t hurt the dynamic at all. I think with Terrence, obviously that’s another incredible weapon San Miguel has. It will be up to the guys, coach Leo, the staff – myself included – just to hopefully fast track his getting used to being with these guys,” he said.
“Again he’s another weapon, and it’s a veteran group. Looking forward to the season.”
Alapag is still fulfilling head coaching duties with the San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the 9th ASEAN Basketball League. He admitted this new gig will make him busier, but Alapag said that he can manage.
“A little busier starting today. We still have Alab practices this afternoon. But this is a great learning opportunity,” he said.
“I’m okay with working hard so I’ll be here for the guys and at the same time we’ll get our work done with Alab.”
