MANILA – Negrense James Yap’s goal before winding down his illustrious Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) career is to steer the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to a championship.
A seven-time PBA champion with the Magnolia Hotshots franchise, the Escalante City, Negros Occidental-native has not been successful yet in his three years of stay with the Painters.
“Bago ako mag-retire, gusto ko munang manalo ng championship with Rain or Shine,” Yap said during the 2OT podcast of PBA anchors Magoo Marjon and Carlo Pamintuan on May 17.
“Gusto ko mabigyan ng kasiyahan si (the late Painters matriarch) Mommy (Margaret) Yu kahit na nasa langit na siya,” added the 38-year-old gunner. “Isa siya sa mga nag-guide sa akin sa basketball career ko.”
Yap makes sure to stay in shape despite staying at home the past two months due to the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019.
Kapag may edad (na ang atleta), kailangan na din ng mahabang pahinga. Nakakatulong itong ECQ. Pero hindi rin syempre na totally pahinga. Nag e-exercise pa din,” the two-time PBA Most Valuable Player awardee said.
“‘Yung trainer namin (sa Painters), nagse-send ng exercise na gagawin namin sa bahay. Pero kulang pa rin kasi wala lahat (ng equipments),” he added.
Yap also expressed his excitement on playing with youngsters Rey Nambatac and Javee Mocon, along with rookies Rashleigh Rivero, Ilonggo Clint Doliguez, Adrian Wong, and Vince Tolentino.
“Mga bata ang kakampi ko. Siyempre kapag mga bata ay mabibilis. Kailangan kong magpakondisyon para makasabay,” Yap said. “Sa mga players namin, nakikita ko sina Ray (Nambatac) at Javee (Mocon) na magtatagumpay sa liga.”/PN
