Sacramento coach Jimmy Alapag is confident that Filipino players will make it to the NBA in the near future

The Philippines is known for being a basketball-crazy nation, and despite the immense popularity of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the country, it has yet to produce a full-blooded Filipino who has played in the world’s most popular basketball league.

Former Gilas Pilipinas captain and Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) legend Jimmy Alapag, currently a player development coach for the Sacramento Kings, spoke about this situation, expressing his belief that Filipino basketball players have what it takes to compete with the best in the world.

“I do think, when you look at the talent back home in the PBA, the Gilas players, and even the young talents—the Filipinos playing abroad like Ray Parks and Kiefer Ravena—there’s so much talent in the Philippines. And I honestly, truly believe this: we are close,” Alapag said during an appearance on Power and Play with Noli Eala.

“GETTING IN IS HARD. STAYING IN IS HARDER”

WATCH: Gilas legend and Sacramento Kings coach Jimmy Alapag says the Filipino NBA dream is closer than ever—but the real challenge is staying on the roster.

He reflects on Kevin Quiambao’s missed Summer League opportunity and why… pic.twitter.com/3vqZRzUlNP

— Bilyonaryo News Channel (@bncdotph) August 5, 2025

However, the 47-year-old emphasized that achieving this dream takes immense sacrifice, urging aspiring players to remain disciplined and maintain a strong work ethic.

“Their discipline, together with their talent and work ethic, is second to none. It’s not just about what happens on the court. One thing I’ve learned and gained a better understanding of from being in the NBA is how much work goes on off the court. Our guys come in every day and do the work—whether it’s in the weight room, with physical therapists and trainers, or just making sure their bodies are healthy by eating right, during both the offseason and the regular season,” he added.

Alapag is well-placed to offer advice, having won six PBA titles during his playing career. He was named PBA Most Valuable Player in 2011, a two-time PBA Finals MVP, the 2004 PBA All-Star Game MVP, the 2003 Rookie of the Year, and earned 11 PBA All-Star selections, among numerous other honors.

“And then you still have the work on the court—whether it’s guards, wings, or big men. Everyone is constantly working to strengthen and improve their game to help the team prepare for the season.

“Again, I truly believe in my heart that we will have a local Filipino in the NBA soon. But whoever that special talent is, his focus and work ethic—on top of his talent—must be at the highest level to get that opportunity,” Alapag concluded.

The most recent Filipino players to attempt breaking into the NBA include Kai Sotto and Kevin Quiambao. Sotto played for the Orlando Magic in the 2023 NBA Summer League, while Quiambao went undrafted despite working out with the Sacramento Kings and five other NBA teams.

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