Former Gilas Pilipinas team captain Jimmy Alapag has announced his retirement from the game of basketball, Thursday afternoon in a video posted on Eric Menk’s YouTube page.
“I’m here to announce that I won’t be coming back for the upcoming PBA season,” he said.
“It’s been an amazing 13 years, but turning 39 next month and having left everything I have on the basketball court, it’s time to walk away for good.”
The 39-year-old, who first retired back in 2015, had been traded by TNT Katropa to the Blackwater Elite in exchange for Larry Rodriguez, and then to the Meralco Bolts for Mike Cortez and James Sena last August 15, 2015. With the Bolts, he was able to turn around the fortunes of the franchise, leading them to their first-ever Finals appearance during the 2016 Governors Cup.
“This past season with Meralco, I was joining a team that was much younger than the TNT team I used to play for. It was a big challenge but we had a great group of guys and a great coaching staff,” he furthered.
“To be a part of the process, building from our struggles in the All-Filipino, going 1-10, and steadily improving as the season went on, going to the semifinals during the second conference, then ultimately going to the finals in the Governors Cup. To be a part of the process for that team was really special.”
The 2011 Most Valuable Player helped lead the country to two runners-up finish in the FIBA Asia Championship back in 2013 and 2015 respectively.
“Now that I’m walking away from the game, the leadership and the passion that I play with for so long, I can now channel that to mentor a lot of the younger players in the Philippines. Hopefully impact their careers,” he said.
Alapag shattered the all-time record for three-pointers with 1,250 triples. He played a total of 601 games in his career.
“One of the reasons for coming back, aside from the challenge of leading a young team to compete for a championship was my family. Especially with having two kids, having them along in the journey was really special. It gave me extra motivation,” he said.
He then thanks the management of TNT and Meralco for supporting him in his journey.
“I want to thank coach Norman [Black] and our entire staff, coach Ronnie [Magsanoc], coach Mike [Jarin], coach Luigi [Trillo], coach Gene [Afable]. Just thank you guys for believing in me, giving me an opportunity for one last ride.
“Of course all my teammates thank you. To my agent Charlie Dy, always believing and supporting me from Day One. I have to thank Boss MVP, Boss Al, and Sir Vargas, all of the management of TNT and Meralco for giving me an opportunity to do what I love,” he said.
“Thank you for allowing a young 24-year-old kid back in 2003 to live his dream by doing what he loves.”
“To the best fans in the world, the PBA fans, you have showed me so much love from the beginning. I can’t thank you guys enough,” he furthered.
But Alapag vows that he will help mentor the next generation of cagers.
“This isn’t goodbye. I’ll be seeing you guys soon and I look forward to helping the next generation of players in the country.”
