Author: Monojit Mandal
In a rare success for Philippine basketball, the renowned Jimmy Alapag is making his mark in the NBA as player development coach for the Sacramento Kings. The former point guard, who stands at 6’4″, has been rising fast in his coaching career, having previously worked as an assistant coach for the G League’s Stockton Kings for the past two years. He is now a member of Mike Brown’s coaching staff at the Sacramento Kings, which includes talents such as De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
Alapag’s path to the NBA coaching ranks was paved by a successful playing career. He retired in 2016 after 12 years with TNT Tropang Giga and two years with the Meralco Bolts. Soon after retiring as a player, Alapag took over as coach of San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League. Alapag led the Filipino team to the title in his first season and to an excellent quarter-final berth the following season, both with Bobby Ray Parks Jr. as his main player.
In 2020, the 45-year-old basketball legend moved to the United States to work as one of Bobby Jackson’s trusted assistants in the Kings’ G League franchise. Alapag adds a wealth of experience to the Kings’ coaching staff as a six-time PBA champion, two-time Finals Most Valuable Player and one-time MVP of the season.
Alapag’s basketball skills go beyond the local league, as he was an important member of the Philippine national team from 2007 to 2013. He earned the nickname “The Captain”, acting as Gilas’ court captain in several international competitions, earning acclaim and respect on and off the court.
His contributions to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) are legendary. Alapag is considered one of the best players in PBA history, having won two PBA Finals MVP awards and three PBA Best Shooter awards. He is also one of the top 40 players in the PBA, cementing his legacy as a sports hero.
Alapag is not only a renowned figure among Filipino basketball fans, but also a role model for aspiring players, due to his great leadership, clutch performances and ability to hit important shots. His impact goes far beyond the pitch, as he acts as a coach and administrator. In particular, he worked as assistant coach of the Gilas Pilipinas national team and as team manager of the TNT Tropang Texters.
Alapag is happy to contribute to the community as a Filipino-American. He routinely gives talks at basketball clinics and events, and his involvement in various philanthropic organizations demonstrates his dedication to having a major influence on society.
Alapag was elected to the PBA Hall of Fame in 2019 in recognition of his outstanding achievements for the sport, solidifying his status as one of the league’s all-time greats.
Jimmy Alapag’s new job with the Sacramento Kings is certainly a big milestone for him personally and for the Philippine basketball community as a whole, due to his vast experience, exceptional skills and passion for the sport. As he embarks on this new adventure, his path continues to inspire and uplift young basketball players not only in the Philippines, but all over the world.