Jimmy Alapag continues to live out his dream as part of the coaching staff of the Sacramento Kings' G League affiliate team, the Stockton Kings.
The Philippine basketball legend was officially hired as an assistant coach in August 2021, a week after he helped the Stockton Kings win their second Summer League title in Las Vegas.
In an interview posted on the Stockton Kings' Instagram page, Alapag said he hopes his journey can inspire other people to persevere and work to reach their goals.
"I think it's important, you know, whatever it is that you love and whatever it is that you're passionate about, you have to keep pushing and keep going," said Alapag.
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Before his coaching stint in the G League, Alapag was the head coach of ASEAN Basketball League's Alab Pilipinas, whom he led to a championship in 2018, for three seasons and was also an assistant coach in the PBA for the San Miguel Beermen for one season.
When the pandemic broke out in 2020, Alapag, a six-time PBA champion and former team captain of Gilas Pilipinas, moved back to the US with his family. Fortunately, he was able to land a coaching gig with the Stockton Kings.
"I know how thankful and how blessed I am to have this opportunity in the G League, and hopefully it serves as encouragement and motivation for the next young player or coach who wants to be here," added Alapag.
"Hopefully I can help set the bar in terms of how I work and how I respect the position I'm in to be on staff here and encourage them to hopefully be here someday as well."
The Stockton Kings are currently tied in second place in the G League Western Conference with a 7-4 record.
