These words of wisdom from Alapag are pieces of advice that the younger generation could use.
Whether as a player or as a coach, Jimmy Alapag continues to inspire many hoopers out there.
But the road to where Alapag is right now was definitely not the easiest.
In an Instagram post, Alapag looked back on his journey from playing in the Philippines.
This was after he saw former PBA import Paul Harris, who has been posting photos of his PBA days, share a photo of Alapag working out in the gym during their Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters days in the PBA.
Alapag, who nows serves as the assistant coach for the Stockton Kings in the NBA G-League, recalled the hard work he put himself through in order to succeed in the country.
The former PBA MVP said that the always lives by the quote his older brothers used to say which is: “You better be ready to work harder than everyone if you want to be a pro. First in the gym, last to leave.”
“I took that same work ethic and mindset from high school all the way through college and into my 13 year career in the PBA, and still carry it with me now as a coach,” Alapag wrote in his post.
The TNT legend would go to share his first in practice mentality, which he admitted that he would lose to Ranidel de Ocampo and Harvey Carey.
“I wanted to set a standard as the captain and leader, but those moments alone in the gym also helped me to relax, focus and mentally/ physically prepare for that particular practice or game,” said Alapag.
The Mighty Mouse’s work ethic seemingly worked to perfection as he finished his PBA career with 6 PBA championships, the Rookie of the Year award, PBA MVP, and 11 All-Star selections.
But this was his reminder to those who think that achieving greatness is easy.
“We will fail, we will feel discouraged, and at times we'll feel like giving up, but those are the exact moments where we have to surround ourselves with loved ones, remember why we started, and keep going.”