Jimmy Alapag returns to the Philippine Basketball Association after working in the NBA and is appointed head coach of the NLEX Road Warriors. Reports say NLEX makes the appointment official after Alapag signs a deal with the team, formalized with team owner Manny V. Pangilinan and NLEX officials. Alapag’s move comes after three years as a player development coach with the Sacramento Kings. He tells local media that he felt it was “the right time” to come home and take the coaching opportunity. Alapag takes over from Jong Uichico, with his first games beginning in the season-ending PBA Governors’ Cup. The tournament is scheduled to start July 10. In statements and posts tied to the appointment, Alapag frames the hiring as a new chapter and indicates he plans to bring coaching knowledge gained during his time in the NBA back to the PBA. Sources also describe NLEX’s aim to improve the team’s performance, including its goal of competing at the championship level under the new leadership. The transition marks Alapag’s shift from NBA player development work to head coaching responsibilities in the PBA.