Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Will Filipino basketball fans see the backcourt duo of Jimmy Alapag and Jayson Castro on the parquet floor for one last time?
With the Gilas Pilipinas pool hit with withdrawals and injuries, Alapag has expressed his desire to come out of retirement and don the national team jersey once again if duty calls.
“It’s always an honor to represent the country,” said Alapag, who participated in Gilas’ first official practice on Monday (August 3) under new coach Tab Bladwin in preparation for the FIBA Asia Championship in late September.
“If duty calls, I’ll be ready.”
Castro believes the sweet-shooting guard, who retired from professional basketball in January to serve as Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters’ team manager, is pretty much in tip-top form.
In fact, the “Mighty Mouse” can still play at a high level in international tilts according to the Castro.
“Kahit retired na siya, yung condition at competitiveness niya hindi nawawala,” said Asia’s best point guard.
“Sobrang kaya niya pa kasi wala namang signs of slowing down sa kaniya. Parang nag-retire lang siya kasi na-fulfill niya na yung kagustuhan niyang makapaglaro sa World Cup.”
He added, “Ngayon parang it’s another challenge kasi nakita niyang walang guards masyado (in the pool) that’s why nakiki-practice siya.”
Related: Gilas Pilipinas pool announced
Alapag, however, said his fate hinges on the coaching staff.
“That’s really up to the coaching staff,” he said. “It’s no secret that we have issues in personnel and manpower, so again I’m here.”
But Baldwin said “if our numbers dwindle down for whatever reason, if players we hope can come in cannot, then he (Alapag) will keep training.”
“It will be my decision in the end whether we think that he can help us,” Baldwin said while clarifying Alapag’s role in the team.
“I guess it will be his decision, too, whether he would say yes to that or not, but right now he’s helping us as a training body.”
Related: We’ve proven giants can be taken down, says Alapag on PH’s World Cup bid vs. China
