MANILA – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters guard James Yap knows his stint in this year’s Asian Games in Jakarta could be his last.
So he is giving his best.
“Para akong lumilipad e. Ang sarap ng feeling,” said the native of Escalante City, Negros Occidental.
Now 36, the two-time PBA Most Valuable Player awardee is just in his second Philippine team appearance.
“Special ito para sa akin na makabalik uli sa national team after nine years kaya’t ibibigay ko talaga ang best ko.”
“Mas controlled na ako ngayon. Kasi dati para akong kiti-kiti maglaro sa national team,” Yap added. “Mas matured na ako, mas experienced kaya mas maganda na iyong nilalaro ko sa international game.”
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Yeng Guiao reminded Yap and Asi Taulava, 45, to give their best in what might be their final time to wear the national colors.
“Parang bata nga gumalaw si James (against Kazakhstan) e,” said Guiao. “But I told him and Asi na hindi ko alam kung magna-national team pa kayo ulit, so make sure you give your best, make sure it will make a positive mark in your careers.”
“It’s possible that they will be defined in the Asian Games with respect to their career by playing in the national team,” Guiao added. “Ang huling mare-remember ng tao iyong huling stint nila e.”
After securing a slot in the knockout playoffs with the 96-59 rout of Kazakhstan last Thursday, the Philippines is gearing up for a tough battle with powerhouse China at 5 p.m. on Tuesday./PN
