World Cup is Alapag’s final stint with PH 5

SEVILLE, Spain—Jimmy Alapag feels that his international career has already come full circle, and that retiring as a national player would be best for the Philippine squad in the long run.

“I cherish my international career more than anything else,” Alapag told the Inquirer on Friday night (Saturday in Manila) after dinner with the Gilas Pilipinas team preparing for its first game in the Fiba World Cup here.

“That’s why this will be my last (international) event, because by stepping away, I can give the (national team) program a chance to grow,” the former PBA MVP said. “I want other players to experience what I’ve experienced.”

Standing no more than 5-foot-9, Alapag became an Asian byword after suiting up for the Philippines, earning the respect of his opponents because of his great outside shooting, leadership and heart.

In one Fiba-Asia event that he wasn’t in the lineup, Fadi El-Khatib, the Lebanese legend, even went out of his way to ask Philippine mediamen why Alapag did not make the team.

“My career has come full circle—from being cut to being here,” Alapag said. “This is just a rush—playing against some of the best players of the world.”

Alapag’s finest moment came in the stretch of the Final Four game against South Korea in the Fiba Asia World Qualifying last year, when he drained crucial triples that helped the Filipinos get back to the global stage for the first time since 1978.

“Now that we’re here, the toughest thing is to stay here,” Alapag said. “And leaving would allow (the coaches) to bring in another player.”

The entire Philippine squad—including coach Chot Reyes—doesn’t have illusions of winning this tournament.

“Our chances are slim and none,” said Reyes. But expect the Filipinos to give it their all—especially Alapag.