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NLEX Road Warriors’ coach Jimmy Alapag during a game vs TNT Tropang 5G in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—For the first time in his PBA coaching career, NLEX mentor Jimmy Alapag found himself on the opposite bench from the man who helped shape him during his playing days with Talk ‘N Text.
On Tuesday, Alapag guided NLEX to an 88-83 win over former coach Chot Reyes and TNT in the 2026 Governors’ Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
It was the first coaching matchup between the two, and Alapag was grateful for the opportunity.
“It’s always an honor when you get to coach against one of the best,” said the former Sacramento Kings’ player developmental coach.
“I think Chot’s resumè speaks for itself not just in the PBA but also with the Gilas program. It’s no surprise he has TNT playing the way it is.”
JIMMY GETS ONE UP OVER CHOT ☝️
NLEX coach Jimmy Alapag talks about his win over TNT and former coach Chot Reyes.
Reyes mentored Alapag for a long time during their Talk N’ Text days in the 2010’s. #PBA50 | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/hX5YkmRYge
— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) August 4, 2026
When Alapag wreaked havoc in the PBA donning the Tropang Texters’ jersey, Reyes gave him the green light to be one of the league’s premier point guards.
Their partnership also extended to Gilas Pilipinas, where they helped steer the national team through one of its most memorable eras in the 2010s.
“We [me and Chot] didn’t get a chance to talk before the game but again, coach Chot is someone I have the utmost respect for,” said the 2011 PBA MVP.
“It’s always an honor to be able, in my young PBA coaching career, to coach against the best,” he added.
Aside from facing his former mentor, Alapag also felt nostalgic seeing some of his former teammates on the TNT bench.
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“It showed my age,” he said in jest. “Over there were RDO (Ranidel de Ocampo), Ryan Reyes, I got so much love for those guys.”
“We have a lot of special memories together, a lot of battles. It’s great to see them make this transition to coaching. [I have] a lot of love to those guys.”
