#SalamatJimmy! Netizens pay tribute to retiring Gilas skipper Jimmy Alapag
Words of adulation and praises poured in for Gilas Pilipinas skipper Jimmy Alapag, who very likely has served his final tour of duty for the national team in the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Seville, Spain.
Several reports, both on national dailies and online sites, have indicated that the charismatic playmaker, now 36 years old, was already adamant in his decision to call it quits on the international stage, allowing younger players to step in to help sustain the country’s gains in the international arena starting in the incoming Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
But who knows? Alapag could hold off his decision, judging from the way he performed in the grandest basketball stage pitting the world’s best 24 teams.
Standing a mere 5-foot-9, Alapag stood tallest among the Nationals in their hard-fought match against world No. 3 Argentina last Monday, pumping in all of his 15 markers—all from beyond the arc—in the second half where they clawed back from a double-digit deficit and put themselves in a winning position before dropping a painful 81-85 decision.
Saving his best for last, “The Mighty Mouse” came through with yet another sterling performance against Senegal, firing away a team-high 18 points, including five crucial freebies in overtime that led them to a pride-salvaging 81-79 victory in Group B at the Palacio Municipal de Deportes San Pablo.
The hashtag “#SalamatJimmy” also become one of the trending topics on Twitter on Thursday night, with Alapag’s former Talk ‘N Text teammate and close friend Ali Peek immediately sharing his warm praises for the Texters guard.
Just wana say congrats 2 my main man and brother @JAlapag3 for all your heart, dedication, sacrifice, n leadership! Legend in ur own time!
— ali peek (@mtnpeek) September 4, 2014
Rain or Shine, through its official Twitter, account also expressed its gratitude for Alapag.
Thanks @JAlapag3. #SalamatJimmy
— Rain or Shine (@RoSEPainters) September 4, 2014
Even some members of Philippine sports media greeted Alapag.
Chatting with Senegal media now, he just said, your players are so good. @JAlapag3 is a great player. #SalamatJimmy #LabanPilipinas #puso
— Jinno Rufino (@JinnoRufino) September 4, 2014
Dear @JAlapag3, Please play one more time for Gilas in the Incheon Asian Games. Go out with a gold medal. You deserve it. @PhilippineStar
— Joey Villar (@JoeySVillar) September 4, 2014
Some netizens also took time to tip their hats to Alapag.
In true Pinoy form, we're gonna win this game ALL FILIPINO with Jimmy making the most crucial FT's. Win it for Jimmy guys.
— Tony Atayde (@TonyAtayde) September 4, 2014
Fitting that Alapag will play more l8r, his leadership was a major factor in getting Gilas to Spain, and keeping us in games. #SalamatJimmy
— Troy Sta. Rosa (@TheSandboxKid) September 4, 2014
Long live Jimmy! 12 years of dedication and sacrifice! We all wanna thank you! #SalamatJimmy #LabanPilipinas @jalapag3
— Alvin Rae Gonzales (@alvingonzales_) September 4, 2014
Kahit Ginebra ako iba pa rin talaga ang isang @JAlapag3 #SalamatJimmy See you in your final game against Senegal
— drae (@andraemiranda_) September 4, 2014
#SalamatJimmy awww can't imagine the team without him...he's the one constant part of the Team Pilipinas..grew up watching him play for Phil
— nomoresundaysads (@DemPeoBoSchanel) September 4, 2014
Seriously, though, thank you, @JAlapag3, for exemplifying #PUSO before #PUSO was even a hashtag. #SalamatJimmy
— Stan Sy (@stan947) September 4, 2014
PAKIBIGAY KAY JIMMY A. NG BOLA PLEASE. HE. DESERVES. THAT. LAST. SHOT. LIVE AND DIE WITH JIMMY! #Alapag #SalamatJimmy
— Sheila Deblois (@debloismariz) September 4, 2014