It’s time for Gilas to get young players–Alapag

By: Bong Lozada - 10 years ago

Jimmy Alapag

MANILA, Philippines – With an abundance of young talent in the Philippine basketball landscape, Jimmy Alapag says it’s time for Gilas Pilipinas to get a little younger.

“When you have a 36, 37-year-old point guard, it’s time to get younger (ones),” Alapag said.

Alapag, who has been part of the Philippine national team for basketball since his early years as a professional, said there were younger players in the PBA that deserved to wear the Philippine tricolor.

Gilas Pilipinas’ players average 30.67 years old with Alapag being the oldest and center June Mar Fajardo the youngest at 24.

“They can add younger and more talented guys, get them to wear the flag on their chests,” Alapag said. “As much as I loved playing for Gilas, you really can’t express the emotion wearing the Philippine colors.”

As he ended his international duty after the dismal Asian Games campaign in Incheon, the 37-year-old “Mighty Mouse” expressed his willingness to be part of the Gilas program.

Alapag, though, did not say what position he would want but he “definitely” would like to stay on with the system.

“I definitely want to stay involved in the future in some capacity,” the decorated point guard said. “I want to watch the improvement of the system.”