But that can wait.
His mission right now is to help his team capture another championship in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) for the franchise’s first back-to-back titles.
After the PBA finals, he and teammate Kelly Williams will focus their attention on a bigger task ahead which is to lead the Philippines back to the Olympic stage once again.
Alapag and Williams are two of the PBA stars tabbed to reinforce the Gilas squad for the FIBA-Asia Championship on Sept. 15 in Wuhan, China. The FIBA-Asia Championship is the qualifier for next year’s London Games.
Alapag first played for the national team in the same event that served as qualifier for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The other two PBA players are Meralco’s Asi Taulava and Air21’s Dondon Hontiveros.
“Anytime you are given a chance to play for the national team, it’s always an honor,” said Alapag, 33, who is now in his eight season in the pro league. “It’s always a great feeling to play for flag and country. I’m just happy that I was considered.”
With what he experienced in Tokushima, Alapag knows that it will be tough as Smart-Gilas will play the likes of Asian powerhouse teams from Iran and China, as well as Lebanon, Japan, Korea and Jordan.
The national team in Tokushima – mentored by TNT’s Chot Reyes – finished ninth overall as Iran, then handled by current Smart-Gilas Serbian coach Rajko Toroman, won the championship and earned a ticket to the Beijing Olympics.
“Of course, there’s always a possibility (to win the FIBA-Asia Championship), but it will take a great effort for the team,” said Alapag. “It’s a mix of preparation and hard work and sometimes it needs a little luck.”
source: mb.com.ph
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