Gilas coaching stint thrills Alapag

MACAU — Being mentioned as one of the possible candidates for Gilas Pilipinas coaching job gave Jimmy Alapag some thrill and excitement.

But regardless who the anointed one will be, the former Gilas captain hopes the perfect program will be laid down when the country competes again in 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

“It’s really humbling and absolutely an honor. You know guys all know the Gilas program means a lot to me having part of the program for so long,” said Alapag, who was here as one of the guest of honors of the opening of East Asia Super League Terrific 12 tournament.

“But whoever the coach is, I think the important is what will be the plan. We have the luxury of time but three and half years will past. They need to sit down and figure out the best plan.”

Alapag, now retired and serves as one of the assistant coaches of Leo Austria with San Miguel Beer, was the face of the Gilas program in 2013 when the Philippines beat South Korea in the semifinal match of FIBA Asia Championship that gave the country the ticket to the World Cup the following year in Spain.

The former PBA Most Valuable Player was also impressive during his stint in 2014 World Cup team as the Filipinos nearly pulled off a couple of huge upsets against the world’s heavyweights.

Now a member of the FIBA Players’ Commission, Alapag said the value of preparation is very important in international play.

“I don’t think in our country talent is out of the question. It’s a matter getting the most of the talent and being able to play in that level,” he said.

“Looking back in 2014, we’re very, very close in beating those guys. It’s a matter of figuring out the best plan. Now we have the time, it’s a matter of figuring out the best thing going forward so that we can be better.”