‘For me it’s time’ , Alapag says as he retires

Jimmy Alapag AFP

MANILA, Philippines-After an illustrious 11 years in the business, Jimmy Alapag would finally hang his sneakers.

Alapag, the iconic point guard of the Talk N’ Text Tropang Texters, announced that he would retire from active basketball play and would now concentrate on his new jobs in the sideline.

Gilas’ team captain would become Talk N’ Text’s team manager at the start of the Commissioner’s Cup and as an assistant coach for both the San Beda Red Lions and the Gilas Pilipinas.

“For me it’s time. For every player, sooner or later has to come to the end of the road,” Alapag said Friday evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“This would be pretty difficult for me if I was totally disconnected.”

Patrick Gregorio, the team governor of Talk N’ Text relayed Manny V. Pangilinan’s message on Alapag’s decision to retire.

“Hearing Jimmy’s decision to hang up his TNT jersey gave me mixed emotions. On the one hand, he has given our team his best, and to us his loyalty, service, and dedication. On the other, we all will miss his leadership and contribution – the quintessential player that is simply Jimmy. We wish you well in your new future – happily, still with us but in a different form. Thank you, Jimmy and goodbye but welcome back,” Pangilinan said in his message.

Gregorio added that Talk N’ Text would “definitely” retire Alapag’s no.3 jersey.

Alapag arrived at his press conference together with his parents whom he talked to before making the decision.

As he finally retires from the play on the court, Alapag said he has more time to play with his two kids.

“I have two kids at home, I want to be the best dad, be the best husband to LJ and be the best person,” the PBA’s no. 2 all-time in three-pointers made.

He added that even if he is not playing on the floor, he would still be instrumental in the future successes of the Talk N’ Text franchise and the Gilas program.

“There is always something to accomplish, the goal to win championships never gets old,” Alapag said.

Playing for the National team for almost his entire career, the man fondly called as the Mighty Mouse said all the time donning the Philippine tricolor also took a toll on him.

“When you play for Gilas, it’s our team. Did it shorten my career? Possibly,” Alapag said. “The last four, five years have been tough on the physical and mental aspect.”

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