Recent NLEX head coach Jimmy Alapag during a huddle in his 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup debut. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Evan Nelle would love to be a sponge and absorb all the pieces from coach Jimmy Alapag now that he’s with NLEX.
“All the things and anything,” Nelle said after the Road Warriors’ 114-75 rout of the Macau Giant Pandas in Friday’s opener of the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup at Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Nelle didn’t suit up for the Road Warriors due to an injury, but might be available next week, when he hopes to impress the returning PBA legend.
Alapag was tapped to call the shots for NLEX after spending the last three years within the NBA as a player development coach for the Sacramento Kings.
And Alapag’s knowledge and experience are things Nelle desires to learn.
“He’s a legend on this game and he has done a lot for this sport,” Nelle said. “Simply to be under him, under his wing [is great.’]”
The third-year guard was acquired by NLEX from Phoenix in exchange for Sidney Onwubere, form of “reuniting” him with Alapag.
Alapag actually trained Nelle in the US before the previous San Beda/La Salle guard joined the 2024 Rookie Draft where he wound up being chosen by NorthPort within the second round.
“Kilig lang since it’s Coach Jimmy, then he got me,” Nelle said of that have, adding that he would love to ensure that trust is repaid.
“There’s numerous pressure, but in fact, you bought to ball out.”