NLEX names Jimmy Alapag new head coach

The “Mighty Mouse” is back.

The NLEX Road Warriors announced June 29 that Filipino basketball legend Jimmy Alapag will take over as their new head coach, replacing Jong Uichico after his two-year tenure.

The team confirmed Alapag’s appointment through a contract signing ceremony posted on NLEX’s official Facebook page.

“Welcome to your new home, coach Jimmy Alapag!” NLEX wrote.

“We are appointing Coach Jimmy Alapag as Head Coach of the NLEX Road Warriors. Coach Jimmy brings valuable experience from an NBA organization, a strong basketball philosophy, and a player-centered approach that we believe can help elevate the team to the next level.”

Alapag’s return to the Philippine Basketball Association brings one of the country’s most accomplished guards back to the league, this time as a tactician after a coaching stint in the United States.

His international coaching career with the Sacramento Kings began in 2021, when he was hired as an assistant coach for the NBA Summer League.

The former PBA and Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team star quickly made an impact, helping steer the Kings to the NBA Summer League championship.

Alapag worked under Bobby Jackson, a former NBA player and current Sacramento assistant coach, as the Kings completed their Summer League run with a 100-67 finals win over the Boston Celtics.

Days after that successful campaign, Alapag joined the coaching staff of the Stockton Kings in the NBA G League.

After spending a year and a half in the G League, Alapag earned a player development role with the Sacramento Kings in 2023.

He spent three years helping develop Sacramento’s roster, including De’Aaron Fox, the Kings’ former franchise player who is now with the San Antonio Spurs.

The appointment marks Alapag’s latest PBA chapter after a decorated playing career that included multiple championships, two Most Valuable Player awards, and national team service.

“This move is about strengthening the program,” NLEX added.

“As we prepare for the upcoming conference, the NLEX management believes this is the right time to introduce renewed leadership while preserving the continuity and identity that the team has built.”

Alapag now inherits a Road Warriors squad looking to build momentum under a new voice while maintaining the identity established during Uichico’s tenure.