MANILA – Negrense James Yap of Rain or Shine Elasto Painters is now free from injuries as he gears up for the possible resumption of the 2020 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup at Clark, Pampanga on Oct. 9.
The Escalante City, Negros Occidental-native Yap said he has strengthened his body during the coronavirus break including his groin, which sidelined him last season.
“Lahat ng naramdaman kong sakit pinalakas ko na,” Yap said in an interview on The Link Podcast with Rey Joble. “Lahat ng body parts ko ngayon pinalalakas ko para pag-resume, ready na.”
Yap, a two-time PBA MVP awardee, added that he also made sure to be in tip-top shape as he did workout daily in Italy, where he spent his quarantine period before returning to the country recently.
“Ang house namin siguro five minutes away basketball court na tapos may football field, so doon ako nagwo-work out, tumatakbo,” the Negrense shared.
The 38-year-old Yap is eager to join the Painters in training as one of his goals is to deliver a championship with Rain or Shine before he decides to retire.
“Sana bigyan tayo ng chance ni God, bago matapos ang career ko makapag-champion ako sa Rain or Shine,” Yap said. “I’m sure ‘yung kasiyahan, ‘yung saya na maibibigay kay (Painters matriarch Margareth) Yu talagang hindi mapapalitan ng kahit anong bagay.”/PN