Jimmy Alapag’s influence on NLEX is being measured by more than just wins.
Four games into his first stint as a PBA head coach, the Road Warriors remain the league’s lone unbeaten team, but for star guard Robert Bolick, the biggest change has come in the culture Alapag has built inside the locker room.
Fresh off a commanding 110-96 victory over San Miguel Beer on Sunday, Bolick pointed to his rookie mentor’s humility and unwavering optimism as key reasons behind NLEX’s blazing start in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
“Kagandahan kay coach Jimmy, legend na pero napaka-humble. Grateful kami sa mga tinuturo niya,” Bolick said.
The Road Warriors improved to 4-0, becoming the only undefeated team left in the conference while continuing one of the franchise’s best starts in recent memory.
According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III, it marks only the fourth time NLEX has opened a conference with four straight victories, matching similar runs in 2017, 2022, and 2023.
The hot start has also placed Alapag in select company. Mangonon noted that the former Gilas Pilipinas captain became the first rookie PBA head coach to win his first four games since Ato Agustin guided San Miguel to a 5-0 opening in the 2010-11 Philippine Cup.
While Alapag has quickly made history, Bolick continues to lead by example on the floor.
Against the Beermen, the three-time PBA All-Star flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 14 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds while controlling the game’s tempo from start to finish.
Rather than forcing his offense, Bolick once again embraced his role as the team’s facilitator, trusting the Road Warriors’ growing collection of scorers to carry the load.
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THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
Walang preno para sa NLEX Road Warriors as they end the San Miguel Beermen’s streak and improve to a spotless 4-0 with a 110-96 win! |
RM Chua/One Sports
Catch the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, LIVE and FOR FREE via One Sports’ YouTube channel. pic.twitter.com/PxRj3X7cMb
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) July 26, 2026
“Meron na kaming players na kayang mag-contribute sa scoring and para sa akin, kung hindi sila mainit, tatrabahuhin ko. Pero alam kong mainit ‘yung mga kasama ko tulad ngayon, hahanap ako ng paraan para malibre sila or doon sa kung saan sila makaka-shoot na komportable,” Bolick emphasized.
That unselfish approach has become one of NLEX’s biggest strengths.
Import DeQuan Jones paced the balanced attack with 27 points, Schonny Winston added 24, Anthony Semerad chipped in 15, while Xyrus Torres contributed 13 as four Road Warriors scored in double figures to overwhelm San Miguel.
For Bolick, however, the biggest difference isn’t reflected in the stat sheet.
He believes Alapag’s calm demeanor has helped the team stay composed regardless of the situation, creating an atmosphere where confidence never fades—even when adversity strikes.
“Napaka-positive niya. Ngayon lang ako nakakita ng coach na positive na kahit sobrang sama na ng nangyayari, positive pa rin,” the veteran guard expressed.
That positivity has translated into results as NLEX continues to build momentum early in the conference.
The Road Warriors now turn their attention to another major test when they put their unbeaten record on the line against the Converge FiberXers on Saturday, August 1, at the Mall of Asia Arena, with Alapag looking to extend what has already become one of the best coaching debuts in recent PBA history.
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