There’s no place like home.

Jimmy Alapag built a stellar reputation behind the bench after his playing years as the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) “Mighty Mouse” ended with his retirement in 2016.

After spending six years in the United States working as part of the Sacramento Kings’ coaching staff in the National Basketball Association (NBA), one would think Alapag was living the dream.

With his supportive wife, former actress LJ Moreno, by his side alongside their children, he was already building a beautiful life in the land of opportunity.

But Alapag’s heart always remained in the Philippines.

Then came a conversation with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), which sought his expertise to help develop the national team program.

From there, his former bosses in the Manny V. Pangilinan group made an offer too tempting to refuse: a coaching stint in the PBA for one of the business tycoon’s clubs.

It was fate telling Alapag to come home.

He obliged.

“I think it just felt like it was the right time,” said the six-time PBA champion, recalling his heyday with the powerhouse Talk ‘N Text franchise.

Alapag is now set for a PBA homecoming in a brand-new role: as the head coach of the NLEX Road Warriors.

“You know, almost six years in the NBA. I’ve had an opportunity to see a lot, to learn a lot, and I know how much it’s allowed me to grow. Not just as a husband and a father, but also as a coach,” Alapag said.

“And so to have an opportunity to come back home and be able to pour all of that knowledge and all that wisdom that I’ve gained in the NBA back into Philippine basketball, it felt like now was the right time.”

A huge decision

The 48-year-old member of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players left the Philippines to pursue a different basketball career path in the US.

He was blessed with a rare opportunity to work in the NBA after being tapped by the Kings as a player development coach.

For the next six seasons, he worked under a sharp Sacramento coaching crew led by former Kings mentor Mike Brown.

Alapag said he thoroughly enjoyed his job, learned immensely from the coaches and players, and gained a deeper understanding of the sport.

Because he had a flourishing career stateside, dropping it all to pack his bags and take the long flight back to Manila was a massive decision — not just for him, but for the entire Alapag family.

“It was definitely a big move,” he said.

“For those of you who don’t know, LJ and I added one child while we were in the States, so we now have four. So, it was a big move for our family.”

Alapag shared that his spouse was just as excited as he was when he first brought up the coaching offer.

“I’m so thankful for her support. During the NBA season, when I’m traveling, she’s the one carrying the load at home with all four kids. So, I’m thankful to her, and I’m thankful that she and my kids could be here,” he added.

“But we felt like it was the right time. That it was time to come home and continue helping Philippine basketball.”

A new road

Getting the NLEX coaching stint actually came as a total surprise to Alapag.

In fact, it wasn’t even the original reason why SBP executive director Erika Dy reached out to him.

“Well, the funny part was that the conversation was first about Gilas. I had a great conversation with Miss Erika Dy, and she asked if I was going to be available to help with the upcoming FIBA window in August. And I explained to her that I was open to helping,” he shared.

But when the Road Warriors needed a new direction, management believed Alapag was the right man to take the steering wheel.

“I just want to do my best to uplift the NLEX players,” said Alapag, who replaced Jong Uichico at the helm.

Alapag noted that he will be implementing the same coaching philosophy as Brown, whom he worked with in Sacramento before Brown transferred to the Knicks and steered New York to the 2026 season championship.

“I think as a coach, it’s something I learned from Coach Brown during our time in Sacramento before he moved on to New York and won an NBA championship. He was all about being positive with the players and really trying to encourage and uplift them to allow them to play and perform at their best,” he said.

“That’s one of the many things that I’m gonna try to implement now that I’m here.”

Alapag views the Road Warriors’ quarterfinals appearance in the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup as a solid foundation to build on heading into the season-ending Governors’ Cup.

NLEX had topped the elimination round and entered the playoffs as the top seed with a twice-to-beat advantage, but they were ultimately eliminated by the No. 8 seed and eventual runner-up, TNT.

“I think the immediate goal is just to build on their success in the elimination round from last conference, and hopefully carry that into a deeper playoff run,” Alapag said.

“The great part is even though they fell short in the quarterfinals, I still think it was a valuable experience for everybody on the team. So, I think that’s the immediate goal. Long-term, it’s just to continue to help them grow.”

Alapag, who won the ASEAN Basketball League crown in 2018 with San Miguel Alab Pilipinas during his first head coaching stint, inherits a highly competitive roster led by multiple-time scoring champion Robert Bolick.

“Being a former point guard once upon a time, I’m excited to work with all the great talent there. Bolick, Schonny Winston, Kevin Alas, Matt Nieto — there are so many great young guards. LJay Gonzalez is another one,” Alapag said.

“So again, part of my job as a coach is to try to help them. And obviously, given my experience playing the position and now my experience in the NBA, being able to hopefully help them grow and have success in their careers is a high priority. So, I’m looking forward to it,” he added.