Alapag feeling like a rookie, excited for new season with Meralco
Have you ever seen a 37-year-old rookie?
Jimmy Alapag admits feeling just like one and he joins new team for the first time in his PBA career.
After his storied career with Talk ‘N Text, challenge beckons the 5-foot-9 guard as he reunites with former coach Norman Black at Meralco.
Alapag, who came out of retirement, is looking forward to another PBA season.
“Anytime you’re with a franchise for 12 years and you come to a new environment, there’s always a time for adjustment,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to this season. Guys are hungry, we’re all excited for the coming season. This season’s a new challenge and new opportunity, not just for myself but for the whole team. We’re just looking forward to get started.”
Alapag is not the only newbie in the Bolts fort.
Chris Newsome, Baser Amer, and Joseph Sedurifa are coming in as neophytes, Rabeh Al-Hussaini returns to the squad after a year and a half hiatus, while new recruits Ronjay Buenafe and Bryan Faundo try to fortify the Bolts.
And with all the changes the team went through, Alapag is happy to build on what he says as a “solid season last year.”
“Hopefully, with the guys here now, we can give this team the push it needs to put ourselves in a position to compete for a championship,” he said.
But the former MVP isn’t managing expecations when it comes to Meralco’s title shot.
“We’re going to go through a process just like every team, and the positive team is everyone’s on the same page and working hard,” said Alapag. “This early in the season, that’s all I can ask for.”
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