By JONAS TERRADO
PBA and Gilas Pilipinas great Jimmy Alapag and his family left the country Tuesday night to begin a new life in the United States.
Long-time manager Charlie Dy confirmed Wednesday that Alapag, wife LJ Moreno and their three children — Ian Maximus, Keonna and Calen — arrived in Los Angeles, weeks after pondering on whether to push through with their plan.
Alapag admitted that the US move has something to do with the possible chance of getting a coaching job in either the NBA or G-League and the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 situation in the country.
“It was a very hard decision for him,” said Dy. “He asked me to see him before leaving and he hugged me so tight and shed some tears.”
Dy bid goodbye on the day of his departure along with MC Abolucion, one of Alapag’s assistant coaches with San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League.
Alapag had been meeting friends and colleagues in the days prior to their departure.
He put his Gilas Pilipinas jersey from the 2014 FIBA World Cup up for auction in order to aid personnel working in sports broadcasting and production.
The 42-year-old Alapag also took part in a water baptism ritual presided by Pastor James Aiton.
But Alapag also dealt with the situation surrounding Moreno’s miscarriage six weeks into her pregnancy.
Alapag had earlier said that he’s leaving the country with memories that will last a lifetime, namely his decorated PBA career with Talk ’N Text and Meralco and historic stints with Gilas Pilipinas in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship and 2014 FIBA World Cup.
He had been coaching San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the season’s cancellation.
