Alapag: Bolick, Perez future stars

MANILA, Philippines — PBA legend Jimmy Alapag singled out NorthPort’s Robert Bolick and Terra Firma’s CJ Perez as players with a bright future in the pro league during The Philippine STAR sports talk show “Beyond The Game With The Dean,” adding that he’s a big fan of the young bucks who suited up for Gilas at the FIBA World Cup in China last year.

Perez, 26, was the PBA’s first overall draft pick in 2018 and voted Rookie of the Year, leading the league in local scoring with an average of 20.8 points in 33 games. Bolick, 24, was the third overall choice in 2018 behind Perez and Ray-Ray Parks. He hit at a 13.5 clip last season. “I like Robert’s leadership skills and the passion with which he plays,” said Alapag. “CJ’s so athletic, gifted and plays hard on both ends. He’s got the ability to score and create and the ability to guard guys. They’ve both got a bright future in the PBA.”

Alapag, 42, played 13 years in the PBA then embarked on a coaching career that was highlighted by a championship with San Miguel Alab in the ABL in 2017-18. He admitted feeling down when the ABL canceled its season last March because of the pandemic. “It was tough when the season was cut off,” he said. “We had a rough start but were still in second place and set to make a run in the playoffs. In the first month, it was tough and my spirit was down. LJ and the kids were a big help, just talking to them, staying with them at home. The NBA wasn’t playing too so all of a sudden, there was no basketball after having been around the game for so long.”

Alapag said his family brought him to his senses – wife LJ and their three children Ian, Keona and Calen. The big surprise was LJ found out she was pregnant last week. “We’re all super happy,” said LJ “Ian, our eldest, was screaming, ‘You did it.’” It’s still too early to tell whether the baby will be a boy or girl. Alapag said he’s taking things day by day. “As parents, this pandemic has forced us to be creative because our No. 1 priority is keeping our kids busy,” he said. “We’re just thankful we’re safe and together. The kids are active. Ian does taekwondo online four to five days a week and Keona does dancing and gymnastics three times a week.” LJ said they watch movies together, too.

LJ said everyone’s pitching in to keep the family business Lollicake Factory going. Just before the pandemic, LJ expanded the Lollicake menu to include different flavors of bread which became a best seller when the crisis struck as demand for cakes and pastries went down. Alapag got involved in the business, too, as LJ assigned him to do packaging.

What’s perked up Alapag lately is the return of the NBA on Philippine TV. “It’s good for the soul,” he said. “Too bad Sacramento struggled in the bubble, had a tough schedule and didn’t make it to the playoffs. I’ve been following the games and it’s a good thing we’ve got the NBA back. We’ve got something to cheer for now, our favorite team, our favorite players.” Alapag was once a Sacramento assistant coach in the NBA Summer League so he has an affinity with the Kings. Once the pandemic is over, Alapag said he’ll take the family to the beach. “The kids are dying to go outdoors,” he said.