Talk ‘N Text to retire Alapag’s jersey on Feb. 15 game vs Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines—Talk ‘N Text is set to retire Jimmy Alapag’s No. 3 jersey on Feb. 15 when the Tropang Texters take on long-time rival Barangay Ginebra San Miguel at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Initially, Alapag’s jersey retirement ceremony was supposed to be held on Wednesday in Talk ‘N Text’s first game in the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup against Rain or Shine.

“From what I know it was moved on the 15th for our game vs Ginebra,” Alapag told INQUIRER.net Wednesday ahead of the Texters’ showdown with the Elasto Painters at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Alapag, one of the greatest PBA point guards ever, announced his retirement on Jan. 9 in the middle of the best-of-seven PBA Philippine Cup Finals series between the San Miguel Beermen and the Alaska Aces.

Not long after walking away from the game he loves, Alapag was named team manager of Talk ‘N Text—the only team he played for through 12 glorious seasons.

The 37-year-old Alapag has also been appointed assistant coach of the Philippine men’s national basketball team. Alapag was part of the last Gilas Pilipinas team which made history after winning the silver medal in the 2013 Fiba Asia Championship and a trip to the 2014 Fiba World Cup.

“It will be an emotional night for sure,” said Alapag, one of the toughest competitors the league has ever seen.

The one-time MVP Alapag, who averaged 12.9 points, 6.0 assists and 4.1 rebounds in his career, won six championships and was named co-Finals MVP with Jayson Castro in 2011.

One of the deadliest shooters, Alapag is second in the all-time list of 3-pointers made behind another legend Allan Caidic.