Jimmy Alapag ‘ready’ for challenge if chosen as next Gilas coach

MACAU—The Philippine national basketball team is still looking for a coach after Yeng Guiao resigned from the post after Gilas’ 0-5 campaign in the 2019 Fiba World Cup.

Several names have been floated around as Guiao’s replacement including the likes of Tab Baldwin, Tim Cone, Ryan Gregorio, and Jimmy Alapag.

Alapag has been in the program the longest since he played in the earliest iterations of the team in the late 2000s and was also a part of the coaching staff during his post-playing days.

Alapag, who’s now a member of the Fiba Players’ Commission and an assistant coach with San Miguel, said he’d be ready to replace Guiao if he’s given the chance to call the shots for Gilas.

“I would be ready,” said Alapag Tuesday at Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion here during the press conference for the East Asia Super League: The Terrific 12. “It’s been very humbling and I feel very honored that people have thrown my name into consideration.”

Alapag won three medals, two silvers and a bronze with Gilas and his most iconic stint was the 2013 Fiba Asia Championship in Manila where the team’s second-place finish booked them a slot to the 2014 Fiba World Cup in Greece.

It was in Greece that Alapag captained Gilas to a 1-4 finish in the tournament with their lone win being an 81-79 victory over Senegal.

Alapag, though, knows the gravity of his potential employment since he doesn’t have control over his fate.

“It’s a unique opportunity but it also comes with a huge responsibility,” said Alapag. “We all know how passionate we are for the game of basketball. Obviously I wouldn’t go into that position by myself.”

“Whoever is the future coach would need help going forward especially we’re hosting the 2023 World Cup.”