Alapag to become part of Sacramento coaching staff for Summer League
By Kevin Sox
Philippine basketball legend Jimmy Alapag continues to reach greater heights.
The national team icon is set to become part of the Sacramento Kings coaching staff for the upcoming NBA Las Vegas Summer League as an assistant coach.
The Summer League is the offseason NBA tournament where teams field mostly upcoming rookies, sophomores, G-Leaguers, and players trying to make a splash in the NBA.
Alapag posted on Instagram Saturday morning to express his excitement and gratitude for the rare opportunity.
“As a coach, it’s important to continue to grow and learn. So thankful to Vlade Divac and the Sacramento Kings organization for the opportunity to join their Summer League staff in Vegas this year. Looking forward to the entire experience. Always an honor to represent (Philippine) basketball!,” Alapag wrote.
Per ESPN5, Alapag got the stint via the Kings Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Divac, whom Alapag met before since Divac is also the head of the FIBA Players’ Commission.
Alapag is also a member of the said commission.
The long-time former Gilas Pilipinas men member told ESPN5:
“I cherish the opportunity to continue my education in coaching,” Alapag said. “I’ve been blessed to have worked with a lot of great coaches in the PBA and with Gilas Pilipinas and I’m excited to learn more from the coaches in the NBA.”
Alapag’s coaching career started when he headed Filipino squad Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League, leading them to a title in 2018.
He then became an assistant coach for the perennial all-Filipino PBA champions San Miguel Beermen.
