Jimmy Alapag is back in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), this time taking on a new challenge as head coach of the NLEX Road Warriors.

The 48-year-old former star guard was formally introduced Tuesday, marking his return to the league where he built a decorated 16-year playing career with the TNT franchise.

NLEX said Alapag’s appointment is part of its push to strengthen the team’s program while sustaining the identity it has developed in recent seasons. The Road Warriors are also banking on his leadership to help elevate the team into serious championship contention.

Alapag brings with him a wealth of experience from both local and international basketball, including stints in the NBA system. The team highlighted his player-centered approach and strong basketball philosophy as key factors in his hiring.

Prior to his return to the PBA, Alapag served as an assistant coach for the Stockton Kings in the NBA G League for two years before joining the Sacramento Kings as a player development coach.

As a player, Alapag established himself as one of the league’s premier point guards, leading TNT to six PBA championships. He also added two more titles to his résumé as an assistant coach with the San Miguel Beermen.

On the international stage, Alapag was a longtime fixture for Gilas Pilipinas, with one of the defining moments of his career coming during the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain.

Now transitioning fully into a head coaching role in the PBA, Alapag is expected to steer NLEX toward a new era as the franchise looks to break through as a legitimate title contender.