Jimmy Alapag burst into the local cage scene in 2002 as a tryout player for the all-pro Philippine men’s basketball team bound for the Busan Asian Games.

Part of his initiation was to go up against one of the best point guards at that time — Olsen Racela.

Olsen not only took the young Alapag under his wing, but also taught the youthful Fil-Am how to fly.

“My first experience in the Philippines was in 2002 trying out for the Philippine team. During that time, I was new in the Philippines, and Olsen really went out of his way to look out for me and spoke to me at practice," said Alapag.

“Here’s a guy who had so much success at that time in the PBA. For him to extend his hand out and sort of take me under his wing meant a lot to me."

It wasn't surprising therefore for Alapag to show so much respect for Racela in the course of their teams’ recent best-of-seven championship series. The 40-year-old. former Ateneo stalwart was playing the final games of his PBA career.

When Alapag’s team, Talk N Text, defeated Racela’s Beermen, 4-2, the Tropang Texters' standout embraced the cerebral playmaker who was the Beermen's captain, thanking him for all the good things he had done.
Olsen Racela (right) has earned the respect of his peers and rivals in the PBA. GMANews.TV

“I told him how special it was for me, and that was something I have not forgotten," Alapag said, recalling his first encounter with Racela. “I hope one day, when my career is finally over, I can look back and do some of the things he had done not just as an individual, but for his team. I felt that it was only right to thank him, especially since it was his last game," Alapag said.

Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes, who played a big part in Racela’s colorful playing career, couldn’t disassociate himself from the cager who retired as one of the greatest PBA players who had previously donned an Ateneo jersey.

“I gave Olsen his start in basketball. It was a great honor to be there at the start of his career and at the end of his career," said Reyes.

Reyes said that he didn’t have a chance to talk to Racela after the game due to the celebration that engulfed the Tropang Texters immediately after they took the PBA Philippine Cup title against San Miguel.

“We really didn’t talk. We only congratulated each other after the game. But there was really no need to, because our families are very close. We have that kind of relationship that we really don’t need to be talking a lot, because we developed such closeness since 1982," said Reyes.

KY, RCJ, GMA News