From Manila to the NBA, these two are making great strides.
Chip Engelland reunited with his former teammates when he made his trip to the Philippines as part of the Team USA staff for the FIBA World Cup here.
For the uninitiated, Engelland stayed three years in the Philippines where he reinforced the Northern Consolidated Cement team under the late great coach Ron Jacobs in the 1980s. Together, they won the 1985 Jones Cup title.
Months later, he met with another Filipino basketball legend in Jimmy Alapag, this time in the United States.
Though they didn’t play together for obvious reasons, the two shared a lot in common. Most notable, the two represented the tri-color flag in international competitions.
Alapag, a contemporary national team hero, shared a photo of the two on Instagram on Monday.
“Honored to finally have the opportunity to connect with former PBA player/ National Team member, and long time NBA Asst. Coach Chip Engelland,” he said of Engelland, who was also a sniper like The Mighty Mouse back in the day.
Dubbed as the Shot Doctor, Engelland is currently an assistant coach of the Oklahama City Thunder. Meanwhile, Alapag is also part of the Sacramento Kings coaching staff.
While they came to PBA in different eras, the two share the same love and respect for Filipino basketball and its legion of supporters.
“It was great talking about our amazing experiences representing the 🇵🇭 on the international stage as well as playing in the PBA! Nothing like playing in front of some of the best fans in the world!” Alapag said.
Now, if only the two can bring their hoops expertise and pedigree back to the Philippines...
(MDB)