Alapag: Filipino player nearing NBA stint

Philippine basketball legend Jimmy Alapag believes it will only be a matter of time before a Filipino player makes the National Basketball Association (NBA) grade.

Alapag, currently the player development coach for the Sacramento Kings, said the Philippines has a lot of talented players who can earn an NBA spot.

But Alapag stressed that anyone aspiring to get into the NBA will have to work hard for it and do things beyond what is expected of them.

“I do think you look at the talent back home in the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association), the Gilas players and even the young talented Filipinos that are planning abroad. There’s so much talent in the Philippines and I do think we’re close,” Alapag said.

“Whether it’s the guards, the wing players, or the big man, everybody’s doing something that will help strengthen their game and help improve the team in preparation for the season.”

The Philippines has yet to produce homegrown talent in the NBA.

Japan B.League stars Ray Parks and Kiefer Ravena tried their luck in the NBA in 2015 and 2016, respectively, but were only able to suit up for the Texas Legends in the NBA G League.

Kai Sotto, the 7-foot-3 center for Gilas Pilipinas, went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft but was able to join the Orlando Magic for the Summer League before being cut eventually.

Sotto’s best game for the Magic was six points, four rebounds, one assist, and three blocks in the Magic’s 71-88 loss to the Portland Trailblazers.

The 23-year-old big man is currently recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury he got last January.

Kevin Quiambao also trained in the United States last July but wasn’t able to land a spot with any NBA team in the Summer League.

Alapag said the Filipino aspirant who will make it to the NBA will have an additional burden as they not only work hard for themselves and his family but will have carry the hopes of an entire nation.

“Whoever that young talent is will be the first, there will be so much responsibility on that young player To not only handle the pressure of being the first local or first pure Filipino to be in the NBA but even with that pressure still be able to go out there in Summer League in training camp and hopefully go out there and still perform,” Alapag said.