Alapag impresses Toroman and Tiu

MANILA—After watching Jimmy Alapag sweat it out in his first strenuous practice with Smart Gilas, national head coach Rajko Toroman and team captain Chris Tiu agree that the Talk N Text ace point guard is a perfect fit.

“He can definitely help us with his leadership, experience and positive attitude,” said Tiu, who came in sick and watched Alapag at the sidelines on Monday night.

“He’s extremely smart and he will pick up the system easily.”

Alapag was tapped by the PH five two months ago along with TNT teammate Kelly Williams, Meralco’s Asi Taulava and Dondon Hontiveros of Air21 but it was only now that Alapag experienced Toroman’s demanding training.

TNT’s Ranidel De Ocampo, a recent Smart Gilas addition, arrived during the team’s scrimmages but didn’t suit up because of a swollen knee.

These PBA stars were loaned by the league to boost the campaign of the Nationals in the Fiba Asia Championship on Sept. 15 to 25 in Wuhan, China, where the top finisher clinches an automatic seat to the 2012 London Olympics.

“Jimmy came over a few times (in practice) while he was injured, so he didn’t really get to play,” said Tiu. “I’m really excited to play with him. He’s my local idol.”

Toroman said he’s trying to crash-course Alapag and De Ocampo on his system in time for Sunday’s exhibition match against NBA stars Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant and Chris Paul.

Alapag had been sidelined by an ankle sprain for three weeks but Toroman said the Finals MVP of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup and De Ocampo should be ready to play for the Tropang Texters on Friday.

“Jimmy is a very experienced and high-quality player. He will definitely fit us,” said Toroman.

With his entry, Alapag is expected to divide the minutes with guards Mark Barroca, JV Casio, Marcio Lassiter and Tiu. Yet, Toroman said Alapag wouldn’t necessarily be a starter.

“We don’t have a regular starting five and the players know that,” said Toroman. “It’s a decision we make prior to the game depending on the opponent we will face.”

Alapag and De Ocampo will miss the Jones Cup in Taipei on Aug. 6 to 14 because the Tropang Texters made it to the semifinals of the PBA Governors Cup. They will join the Nationals a month before going to Wuhan.