December 14, 2024

Jimmy Alapag's blunt take on Cambodia having three naturalized players in SEA Games 3x3

Jimmy Alapag
Instagram/Jimmy Alapag

There's an unwritten edict in sports: When Jimmy Alapag talks, everyone should listen.

On Sunday, the PBA legend and Gilas Pilipinas icon weighed in on the issue involving Cambodia's team in the men's 3x3 basketball competition in the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

The host nation won the gold medal in the said event, powered by three naturalized players from the United States in Darrin Dorsey, Brandon Peterson, and Sayeed Pridgett. The Philippines settled for the silver medal after being outmuscled by the Cambodian crew.

While Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 coach Lester Del Rosario acknowledged that Cambodia didn't break any rules, Alapag wasn't as diplomatic.

"[The] SEA Games Committee has to do better. [It's] setting a bad standard [by] allowing a country to play three naturalized players in 3x3," commented Alapag on the Instagram post of content creator Hoopjunkie. 

After a gutsy run to the championship game, the Filipino quarter of Almond Vosotros, Lervin Flores, Joseph Eriobu, and Joseph Sedurifa faltered against Cambodia, 20-15. While they put up a gallant fight, their opponents were just too physically imposing.

RELATED STORY: Gilas coaches comment on losing SEA Games 3x3 gold to Cambodia's naturalized players

Cambodia had a homegrown player but he didn't play a single second in the game.

It remains unclear if Dorsey, Peterson, and Pridgett will also suit up in the men's 5-on-5 basketball event. 

If they do, don't be surprised if Alapag, a two-time gold medalist in the SEA Games, will make his feelings known once again.

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