THANK YOU, JIMMY
PUERTO PRINCESA – Jimmy Alapag was still the Jimmy Alapag of old in his farewell game in the Philippine Basketball Association.
Alapag, who carved a great niche in his 12-year PBA career, even established a new mark with 17 assists and added 12 points and five rebounds as his contribution for the South team in a losing cause versus the North team, 161-166, in the 26th PBA All-Star Game at the City Coliseum here Sunday night.
The South Stars failed to sustain a remarkable first half, but Alapag, nonetheless, enjoyed the night.
At the buzzer, practically all players approached Alapag, thanking him for his great legacy that young players can admire and emulate.
It was an All-Star Game like no other – fun, exciting and emotional because of Alapag was leaving the game.
At the half, the PBA paid tribute to Alapag in retirement rites attended by his family, siblings, bossom buddy Asi Taulava and Talk n Text teammates Jayson Castro, Kelly Williams, Harvey Carey, Danny Seigle, Matt Ganuelas Rosser and Kevin Alas.
“Thank you for elevating the play in the PBA. Thank you for your integrity as a player. Thank you for your leadership.
And on behalf all the PBA fans and all Filipino fans all over the world, thank you for lifting our hearts and spirit and for giving us pride, integrity and honor,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud.
PLDT/Smart big bosses Manny V. Pangilinan and Ricky Vargas gave messages through video.
Taulava thanked Alapag for all their rides and in being always there especially when he’s down.
Chot Reyes, Alapag’s longtime coach at Talk n Text and with the national team, delivered his own message and then asked the Palawan fans to join him to give Alapag a big applause.
LJ Moreno-Alapag finished his message by saying: “I married a legend.”
Alapag, in turn, expressed his deep gratitude to the PBA, to all his coaches, his teammates and fans, and said he’s now “looking forward to the next chapter of my life to be the best father and best husband.” (SB)
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