NLEX head coach Jimmy Alapag sitting on the other side of the court to play a chess match against his decorated former TNT mentor Chot Reyes was a humbling experience.

Alapag turned into one of the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) greatest players under the capable hands of Reyes during his playing days.

The 48-year-old first-year tactician attributes his six PBA titles and historic milestones with Gilas Pilipinas to Reyes.

So, it was a full circle moment for Alapag when he took on Reyes and his former club Tropang 5G last Tuesday.

The Road Warriors bested defending champion TNT, 88-83, to complete a sweep of the first round in Group A of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“Coach Chot is somebody who I have the utmost respect for,” Alapag said after his squad won its sixth straight in as many outings.

“Obviously, we shared a lot of success together, both with the PBA, with Talk ‘N Text, and with Gilas. And, again, it’s always an honor to be able, you know, in my young PBA coaching career to coach against one of the best. So, you know, but I’m thankful that we got the win.”

Alapag also expressed his admiration for how Reyes pushes his team despite a depleted, banged-up lineup that is still missing the services of veteran Jayson Castro, RR Pogoy and Jordan Heading.