Cage body to Gilas cap – Our heartfelt thanks

MANILA, Philippines — The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) paid tribute to Jimmy Alapag after the long-time Gilas Pilipinas team captain and his family decided to migrate to the United States for good.

In a heartfelt video released on social media, the SBP thanked Alapag for his contributions not only to the national team but Philippine basketball as a whole.

“You have forever changed and helped shape the landscape of Philippine basketball. The mark you have left will be felt by this and the generations to come,” said the SBP headed by Al Panlilio.

“Taos-puso kaming nagpapasalamat sa ‘yo (Our heartfelt thanks). Good luck on your next chapter, captain!” the message said.

Alapag, 42, left the country last week, and said he will try his luck on any opportunity in the NBA or G League. He had a brief stint as assistant coach with the Sacramento Kings in the 2019 NBA Summer League.

From PBA to Gilas to ABL, the legendary point guard left an incomparable imprint

The 2011 MVP in the PBA made it to the PBA’s 40 Greatest Players. And as a national player, he served as Gilas captain for a long time, including in the World Cup in Spain in 2014.

He transitioned to coaching in 2016 upon his retirement as a player and served deputy roles for Gilas and Meralco in the PBA before coaching Alab Pilipinas to the ABL crown in 2018.