Oh Captain, Our Captain

The Mighty Mouse Returns
(Photo credit: Sports5.ph)

Even with news of his "un-retirement" making most of the local sports headlines, we will remain adamant  in our belief that there is not a single thing that Jimmy Alapag, retired Talk'n'Text Tropang Texter and soon to be Meralco Bolts point guard for 2015-2016, could ever do that would change our opinion of him as being one of the best point guards in the history of Philippine basketball.

He could slit a little puppy's throat in front of a bunch of toddlers, right now, and we'll still be like: "still one of the best point guards in the history of Philippine basketball" (although we sincerely hope that Alapag doesn't get any ideas with us saying that BTW).

So why did Alapag decide to unretire and lace up his sneakers after all the ceremonies and festivities January of this year? Why on earth would you give up a managerial position, to lead one of the league's best teams that require little to no rebuilding at the moment, to go back and be "one of the boys?"



If you really think about it, most guys who retire after years of playing professional basketball would almost, always get as far away from it as possible. First goes the intensive basketball training, then follows the amount of time spent at the gym just getting in shape and then... they disappear for good (or until the next celebrity, charity game is on).

But Alapag?

He went from wearing a jersey to one of those company-issued polo shirts meant for Sales executives in about a game or two since announcing his retirement. He's still on the same team, with the same group of guys who basically won a championship in the very same conference wherein he retired. He wasn't hurt. He wasn't out of shape. He still has the same intense, eagle eye-look. He didn't have to retire that early.

And yet he did.

But who would blame a man for wanting to move on from playing basketball and onto bigger things? Still, we couldn't shake that feeling that Alapag was still good to go anytime he was on the floor-- day in and day out.

And that's why we are here.

So what can the Meralco Bolts and head coach Norman Black expect with Alapag in tow?

A definitive leader for a team of "quiet" veterans Gary David, Jared Dillinger and Reynel Hugnatan who are all happy just doing their thing on the floor but are not naturally meant to be barking orders here and there. A kuya for the teams younger roster of big-eyed, energy bunnies Cliff Hodge, Kelly Nabong and Sean Anthony and "problem children" like Ryan Buenafe and the returning Rabeh Al Hussaini.

Still, we wouldn't be all too surprised if the Bolts look to acquire an up and coming point guard to serve as Alapag's understudy--  the guy is pushing 38 after all.

Or maybe, Alapag just likes the Bolts' alternate navy jerseys like we do.