 |
| FIBA (file photo) |
By Dugout Philippines
After 12 colorful PBA seasons and a memorable feat as Gilas Pilipinas' team captain, Jimmy Alapag officially called it a career.
The tenth overall pick of the 2003 PBA Draft, who eventually became the Rookie of the Year in the said season, announced his retirement preceding Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup championship series between San Miguel and Alaska.
“I don’t know if there’s ever a right time to announce whenever you’re retiring. But for me, it’s time,” Alapag, who spent his entire career with Talk 'n Text, said. The Tropang Texters were eliminated by the San Miguel Beermen in the semifinals by a 4-0 sweep.
Alapag, however, will remain visible in Philippine basketball as he is set to join Tab Baldwin in the Gilas coaching staff.
Also, Alapag will still have a role in the Talk 'n Text camp as he will become the team's new manager.
“I’m very fortunate to have been with the Talk ‘N Text company, franchise, and family in my entire career and to be given the rare opportunity to now transition right away to a new position as team manager, and also as an assistant coach to coach Tab and the Gilas Pilipinas coaching staff, it gives me the opportunity to stay connected to the game. I won’t be putting on the jersey but my voice will still be there. I will still lead but on a different capacity,” he continued.
Alapag, who was once touted as the best point guard in Asia, retired with a career average of 13 points, 4.2 rebounds, and six assists a game.
.JPG)
.jpg)
