Basketball | #SALAMATJIMMY

Now we lost again.

Hopes for a medal finish in the Asian Games becomes blur. Hearts are broken once more. For the Gilas team themselves, and for all Filipinos. But if there is one person that heart has been really crushed. It is for sure, without a doubt, the heart of Gilas Pilipinas Captain Jimmy Alapag.


Alapag, who has been with Gilas since 2007 already announce his nearly retirement. During the FIBA World Cup, Jimmy divulge that the FIBA stage will be his last international dance. He makes it big during the world cup. As what almost all sports-fan say, "he is the shortest player in the world cup yet he has the biggest heart there is."

Indeed, The Mighty Mouse, who lead Gilas Pilipinas many times in different campaigns, is the epitome of #PUSO, which his team has been anchored of from the very start.

Many times, this 5'9" guard from California would carry his team on his shoulders. Bravely. Courageously. Fearlessly.

Remember the Philippines-Argentina game? Yes. Those five way-beyond-the-arc shots.

His skills are very obvious all through out, but his heart is very much evident every time he would take a shot. Whether there is a 6'9" man or an NBA player in-front of him, dauntlessly, Jimmy Alapag would go for a shot. Whether if its from a downtown drive, spin move layup or a three. He would take it if needed.

Many basketball hopefuls think that after the FIBA World, Jimmy will hang his Pilipinas jersey for good as what he stated before. People speculate that it is going to be Lee, Castro and Tenorio who will call the shots for the Philippines in the Asian Games at Incheon. But Castro can't suit up for Gilas due to an injury that he acquired during the World Cup. Lee for sure wont make it alone. LA will just always be there.

Sure, there is always one name in our heads that can best suit up for Gilas. And thank the basketball gods for reading all our minds, for flag and country, Alapag says "Im in" once again.

His love for the game and for the country is that strong for him to say no. His passion and desire is that ardent to choose another day in the grind rather than to rest his sore body. Maybe it is really like that. When your country calls, whatever the risk, at its highest expense, you will respond.

Now going to Asian Games at Incheon. Alapag, still, never fails. Day in and day out. This guy just never stops. He fuels his team in a won game and  keeps his team together in a lose one. He is our David infront of their Goliaths. He never quits. And he will never wave the white flag.

As the book of our Asian Games campaign nearly comes to an end, another book will be opened for Gilas. It may have different faces this time, but one thing is sure.

No one will ever replace, the heart of a Jimmy Alapag.

Thank you Captain, for years of service for the country.

You have served the flag well!

Salamat Jimmy!

#LABANPILIPNAS #PUSO