PBA: Is James Yap expecting more playing time with Blackwater? | ABS-CBN
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PBA: Is James Yap expecting more playing time with Blackwater?
PBA: Is James Yap expecting more playing time with Blackwater?
Kennedy Caacbay,
ABS-CBN News
Published Feb 09, 2024 10:26 AM PHT
James Yap during a practice prior to the 2018 Asian Games. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File.
James Yap during a practice prior to the 2018 Asian Games. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File. MANILA – James Yap tempered expectations regarding his playing time in his new squad, the Blackwater Bossing.
MANILA – James Yap tempered expectations regarding his playing time in his new squad, the Blackwater Bossing.
The longtime "face of the league" said in an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News on Thursday that he will not demand a chunk of minutes for the Bossing as his age is also a factor.
The longtime "face of the league" said in an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News on Thursday that he will not demand a chunk of minutes for the Bossing as his age is also a factor.
He discussed the matter with his upcoming mentor, Coach Jeffrey Cariaso.
He discussed the matter with his upcoming mentor, Coach Jeffrey Cariaso.
"Nag-usap kami ni Coach Jeff (Cariaso), sabi niya, guaranteed naman na magagamit niya ako. Ako naman kasi I'm not asking like before, mga 40 minutes. Wala na 'yon," the two-time PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) said.
"Nag-usap kami ni Coach Jeff (Cariaso), sabi niya, guaranteed naman na magagamit niya ako. Ako naman kasi I'm not asking like before, mga 40 minutes. Wala na 'yon," the two-time PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) said.
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Yap only averaged 9.74 minutes in three games for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last conference.
Yap only averaged 9.74 minutes in three games for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last conference.
Also dubbed as the "Man With A Million Moves" and "Big Game James," Yap had a fair share of clutch moments in PBA history—and he will step up whenever needed.
Also dubbed as the "Man With A Million Moves" and "Big Game James," Yap had a fair share of clutch moments in PBA history—and he will step up whenever needed.
"Ten, 15 minutes, crucial time – kung kailangan," he emphasized.
"Ten, 15 minutes, crucial time – kung kailangan," he emphasized.
One of the perks of signing Yap is his star power, and he will undoubtedly bring that to the Blackwater nest as fans continue to follow his famed career.
One of the perks of signing Yap is his star power, and he will undoubtedly bring that to the Blackwater nest as fans continue to follow his famed career.
"Meron ngang time noon sa Rain or Shine, merong lumapit na galing probinsiya, sinabi sa akin na 'Idol James, 'di ka namin napanood. Hindi ka namin nakita. Ikaw lang 'yung pinunta namin dito. Sana nakita ka namin naglaro, kahit saglit lang.' Siyempre 'yon, nakakataba ng puso. Pero 'yon nga lang, it's a coach's decision," Yap shared. "Sabi ko, 'marami pa ring gustong manood sa 'kin.'"
"Meron ngang time noon sa Rain or Shine, merong lumapit na galing probinsiya, sinabi sa akin na 'Idol James, 'di ka namin napanood. Hindi ka namin nakita. Ikaw lang 'yung pinunta namin dito. Sana nakita ka namin naglaro, kahit saglit lang.' Siyempre 'yon, nakakataba ng puso. Pero 'yon nga lang, it's a coach's decision," Yap shared. "Sabi ko, 'marami pa ring gustong manood sa 'kin.'"
"'Yon naman talaga 'yung mindset ko, na every time na maglalaro ako—to give enjoyment (and) entertain the fans," he added.
"'Yon naman talaga 'yung mindset ko, na every time na maglalaro ako—to give enjoyment (and) entertain the fans," he added.
The seven-time PBA champion also expressed gratitude to fans who still support him.
The seven-time PBA champion also expressed gratitude to fans who still support him.
"Ang laki ng pagpapasalamat ko sa mga fans na hanggang ngayon, 19 years na tayo sa league, nandoon pa rin sila, sumusuporta. (I'm) very blessed and thankful."
"Ang laki ng pagpapasalamat ko sa mga fans na hanggang ngayon, 19 years na tayo sa league, nandoon pa rin sila, sumusuporta. (I'm) very blessed and thankful."
With Yap in its arsenal, Blackwater looks to overcome their 1-10 finish in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
With Yap in its arsenal, Blackwater looks to overcome their 1-10 finish in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Yap is expected to formally sign a contract with the Bossing on Friday, February 9.
Yap is expected to formally sign a contract with the Bossing on Friday, February 9.
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