Jimmy Alapag leaves PH with plans of new beginnings in the US

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

One of the biggest icons in the Philippine basketball scene will be leaving the country to pursue the next chapter of his career.

Jimmy Alapag and his family’s departure was confirmed by San Miguel Alab Pilipinas team owner Charlie Dy.

“Yes, they’re waiting to board for LA. Nakakapanibago because he’s really a basketball icon na dito sa Pilipinas,” shared the famous team owner.

A month ago, the former Gilas Pilipinas team captain said that he and his family are already planning to leave the country due to the uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

After sharing their family’s plan of moving to the US, Alapag followed it up that he will be looking for a spot either in the NBA or in the NBA G-League as part of a team’s coaching staff.

With the PBA, ASEAN Basketball League, and the FIBA tournaments still suspended due to the ongoing pandemic, there were only a few coaching opportunities which triggered his decision to leave.

In the US, several sports already started despite the pandemic, professional boxing, the NBA, the WNBA, etc. are still ongoing and Alapag hopes to test the waters.

“Again, with so much uncertainty around the world, here in our country, especially from a sports and basketball landscape, it’s something that we’re thinking about,” said Alapag weeks ago when asked about his plans of moving back to the US.

Alapag will go down as one of the best PBA players with six championships, one league MVP award, two-time PBA Finals MVP, and a three-time Mythical First Team member.