#salamatjimmy

#salamatjimmy

Now can I get an encore, do you want more
 Cookin raw with the Brooklyn boy
 So for one last time I need y'all to roar

 

 Now what the hell are you waitin for
 After me, there shall be no more
 So for one last time, nigga make some noise

- S. Carter, 2003

 

He'll be back, playing in the Philippine Basketball Association for the Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters. He'll still be crazy-eyed as always, barking out orders zeroed in on erring understudies who have yet to inherit his laser focus and passion. He'll still be the same old Jimmy, ever gracious, smiling at fans even those who doubted his PBA Most Valuable Player award just a few years ago.

 

But last night, when he willed Gilas Pilipinas and the nation of 7,107 islands strong into its first (and for the 2014 FIBA World Cup, last) victory, it was his encore. His swan song. His last shot at glory and immortality on the biggest stage of them all.

And you know what? In true Jimmy Alapag fashion, he 30-feet three ball did it his way and left nothing to chance. He took eight shots from deep yet made only three, so he damn well made sure that when he was sent to the free throw line a generous 11 times, he'd knock each shot down in the end similar to how a Juan Luna would put the finishing touches on his Spolarium.

 

The captain, the Mighty Mouse, finished with an outstanding 18 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists statline while playing 31 fast-paced minutes. At 5"9, Alapag was unshaken by the taller Senegal guards sent to press him. Even when his younger teammates, his would be "Best Filipino Point Guard" heir apparent, would start showing signs of fear against 6"5-6"9 help defenders ready to pounce-- Alapag would have none of it.

 

Have we mentioned the free throw line yet?

 

You know, where another "great" Filipino point guard once failed among other heartbreaks in Philippine basketball history?

 

The stigma was definitely there when Senegal started fouling in over time in hopes of salvaging a possible Round of 16 appearance to complete their own Cinderella basketball story.

 

Every one was thinking it. But no one was going to say a word. Even when Alapag missed one. No one would dare say anything.

 

Because he is Jimmy Alapag. Our Mighty Mouse. He'll save the day for sure.

 

The greatness, the passion, the commitment-- it's something that we Filipino basketball fans have not been accustomed to. The quiet air, the sophistication and class-- some folks always thought of Alapag as some distant basketball player. The reason why he's not as embraced as, say, a Jayjay Helterbrand or any of their peers.

 

Because deep down, Alapag was an artist and a true professional who was dedicated more to his craft then anyone else.

 

One of his younger apprentices, L.A. Tenorio, was quoted for praising Puerto Rican guard J.J. Barea for being a combination of all things great for a point guard.

 

He didn't really have to look that far.

 

And in last night's game, Alapag showed poise and willpower that we could only dream of. When others would accept defeat, smile sheepishly in games, scratch their heads and joke around-- Alapag was there winning it for Pilipinas.

 

Not just the Senegal game. But all throughout the tournament. Coming off the bench, Alapag drastically changed the way we played on the court from a somewhat tentative give-it-to-Blatche Tenorio style, to the hero ball (good or bad) efforts of Paul Lee and Jayson Castro, Alapag would come in and control the game for Pilipinas each and every time.

 

Maybe one day we'll be able to let Jimmy know how much we truly appreciate him as a basketball player and a person. A high five, shake hands, exchange of nods-- anything. Do us a favor and the next time you see Jimmy, tell him:

 

#salamatJimmy