Birthday boy Yap relishes relationship with RoS
TWO-time Most Valuable Player winner James Yap said that leading Rain or Shine to the quarterfinal round of Season 44 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup is the best way he can repay the team that treated him so well.
Yap, who just turned 37 today, scored the threepoint shot in the fading seconds to carry the Elasto Painters to a 75- 74 win over his former team Magnolia on Wednesday night. It was RoS’ fifth straight victory. “As a player I always think about how to help my team. I die for my team. I want to be in good condition everyday. I’m doing plyometrics and shooting every other day. I’m just ready,” said Yap who is averaging 14.7 points and 2.8 rebounds in eight games this conference.
Prior to the season’s start, the former University of the East gunner inked a three-year maximum contract extension with Rain or Shine. Yap was acquired by the Elasto Painters from Magnolia for Paul Lee via trade in October 2016.
Yap told reporters after they beat the Hotshots that his birthday wish is to win a championship for Rain or Shine. Yap has won seven titles with Magnolia in his 12 years stay with the team. He was Magnolia’s second overall pick in the 2004 rookie draft.
Yap stressed there was nothing personal in beating his former team.
Though he’s playing his best basketball so far, Yap doesn’t want to promise that he will deliver RoS the championship, adding that it is something that a single player can’t accomplish.
“Nope. We just can make it to the championship if we’re going to help each other as a team.”
Yap also revealed that he’s playing golf recreationally.
“Golf. It motivates me, it gives me relaxation. So after practice, I play golf and the result is great,” Yap told
It is something that he looks forward to as the league enters a two- week break to give way to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asian quali-
TheTimes.
“Tomorrow I will play golf,” concluded Yap.