NLEX head coach Jimmy Alapag and Kevin Alas. PBA Images
MANILA — Kevin Alas is relishing his reunion with coach Jimmy Alapag.
Returning to the PBA after his stint in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings as a player development coach, Alapag has been tapped to handle the Road Warriors, and Alas could not be more grateful.
The Road Warriors gave Alapag a winning PBA head coaching debut, smashing Macau, 114-75, in the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
READ: NLEX overwhelms Macau as Alapag gets first win as PBA head coach
Alas and Alapag already had time together in TNT and Gilas Pilipinas.
"Rookie year ko, Jimmy was team manager, he was my mentor back then with TNT and Gilas. I'm just grateful for the opportunity kasi nga pagdating ni coach Jimmy, Day 1, he's trying instill culture sa team namin, do things the right way, and at the same time, he's giving opportunities to everyone," said Alas.
"I guess, it's up to the guys to maximize the opportunity given by coach Jimmy. It's gonna be a long season, and we're excited and looking forward to what's ahead."
But for Alapag, as NLEX notched its biggest win in terms of margin, it was just nice to start the conference on a high note.
"It's always great to get the first win, 'di ba? Like I said, sobrang layo pa. That's what I told the group."