Alapag may yet suit up in Asian Games

Philippines’ guard Jim Alapag (R) vies with Senegal’s forward Mouhammad Faye (L) during the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships group B match Senegal vs Philippines at the Palacio Municipal de Deportes in Sevilla on September 4, 2014. AFP

SEVILLE, Spain—Jimmy Alapag helped bail Gilas Pilipinas out in an 81-79 overtime victory against Senegal on Thursday afternoon that will be in the record books as the country’s first World Cup win in 40 years.

It was supposed to be his final international stint, but from the looks of it, the 5-foot-8 point guard may yet come up with an encore later this month.

Alapag is now seriously being asked to reconsider his decision to retire, and will come out with an announcement within the next two days.

From all indications, the Asian Games field in Incheon, South Korea, will have to battle Alapag and his never-say-die spirit one final time.

“I have never said no to coach (Chot Reyes) before nor have I said no to management (Manny V. Pangilinan group) before,” Alapag told the Inquirer during the team’s victory dinner at posh Ozami Restaurant here.

Alapag wound up as the best point guard in the tournament for Reyes.  And the clamor back home for him to lace it up one more time is being felt all the way here.

“That’s just special,” Alapag said. “But right now, I am not leaning towards anything. I’d like to talk to LJ (Moreno, his wife) and see what happens. I just want to enjoy this, man.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute I have played for the National team, it really gives me great pride,” he said. “I am very, very proud to hear our national anthem played five times for the world to hear.”