Jimmy Alapag, a 48-year-old basketball icon in the Philippines, has made a triumphant return to the country after a stint in the NBA. As the new head coach of PBA team NLEX, he is determined to bring a winning culture to the franchise that has struggled to advance beyond the quarterfinals in the last five years.
He takes over the reins from Jong Uichico, starting with the 2026 Governors' Cup, which is set to tip off on July 10. Alapag's appointment comes after a successful stint with the Sacramento Kings in the NBA, where he served as a player development coach from 2023 to 2026. He also has experience coaching Alab Pilipinas to the ASEAN Basketball League championship in 2018.
Alapag is no stranger to success in the PBA, having played for TNT from 2003 to 2015 and winning six championships, including two Finals MVP awards. During his playing career, he was known for his clutch shooting and leadership, earning him a spot in the 50 Greatest PBA Players.
As head coach of NLEX, Alapag will be tasked with rebranding the team and restoring its winning tradition. With his wealth of experience in the NBA and PBA, he brings the much-needed expertise to elevate the team to the next level.
Key Facts
- Jimmy Alapag returns to the Philippines as the new head coach of NLEX.
- He replaces Jong Uichico, starting with the 2026 Governors' Cup.
- Alapag's stint in the NBA included coaching the Sacramento Kings from 2023 to 2026.
- He won six championships with TNT during his playing career.
- Alapag coached Alab Pilipinas to the ASEAN Basketball League championship in 2018.
Alapag is confident that with the right support and resources, his team can achieve great things. In a statement on social media, NLEX announced Alapag's appointment, saying they believe he can help the team become a championship-caliber team.
NLEX has a rich history in the PBA, having been part of the top conferences since their inception. However, they have struggled to maintain their dominance in recent years. With Alapag at the helm, they hope to restore their winning ways and become a force to be reckoned with in the league.
As the 2026 Governors' Cup approaches, fans of NLEX are eagerly anticipating Alapag's debut match. Will he be able to lead the team to victory and reclaim their status as a top contender in the league? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Jimmy Alapag is back in the Philippines, and he's here to stay.