Former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) star and Gilas Pilipinas member Jimmy Alapag goes back to his SMB roots as he not only mentors the reigning champion San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the Asean Basketball League, but he also became the assistant coach for the franchise’s team in the pros. He told the media that he is “just thankful for the opportunity to be [with San Miguel],” even mentioning his former stint with Talk N’ Text stating, “My history with Talk ‘N Text was my history there. I’m thankful we had a lot of success when I was there but now it’s a new chapter and a new opportunity. So I’m looking forward to it.”
Alapag will be assisting head coach Leo Austria, who is also guided by Ato Agustin, Boycie Zamar, Biboy Ravanes, Peter Martin, and Dayong Mendoza. He further explained, “I don’t think my role is clearly defined as of yet, but it’s a chance to learn a great deal from coach Leo and the staff. It’s a chance to work a lot with some of the best players in the PBA today, guys who I played against and guys who I played with.”
SMB Head Coach Leo is delighted with his acquisition, also telling the media, “This is his first day, but if you look at his spirit as a coach, he has something to offer to us and anybody who joins the team is always welcome. We welcome with open arms.”
As for players, besides new addition Romeo, who attended his first SMB practice last Thursday, January 3, the coaching staff will be handling the likes of Most Valuable Player (MVP) June Mar Fajardo, Christian Standhardinger, Marcio Lassiter, Arwind Santos, and Chris Ross for the upcoming PBA season beginning January 13. The team lost Brian Heruela, David Semerad, and 2022 first round pick for 4x PBA All-Star Romeo.