BACOLOD – Every PBA All-Star has been memorable for James Yap.
But this year’s festivities could be the most special of them all.
The two-time league MVP is bound for a record 18th All-Star appearance, and set to witness him write history will be his fellow Ilonggos as the All-Star Game 2024 will be played at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum here on Sunday.
“Isa ‘to sa mga espesyal kasi record holder tayo sa All-Star appearance, and dito pa yung pang-18 sa kung saan ako lumaki, sa Negros,” Yap told reporters during a dinner hosted for the PBA delegation on Friday night.
This year’s All-Star Weekend is actually the second to be held in Bacolod. The first one was held in 2008 at the West Negros University Gym, where Yap was part of the South All-Stars that beat the North All-Stars, 163-158.
Sixteen years later, he finds himself part of the league’s return to the city, a place so integral in his formative years as a player — he played for Bacolod Tay Tung High School before taking his act to Hua Siong College of Iloilo.
To make it all the more special, Yap, who earned the most votes in Bacolod for this year’s All-Star Game, is set to wear his iconic jersey no. 18 once again for Sunday’s match, where he will be playing for Team Mark Barroca.
“Number 18 ang jersey ko before … ngayong All-Star na ‘to 18 din number ko. Excited,” expressed the 2012 All-Star Game MVP. “Pang-18th ko kung saan ako lumaki, kung saan ako nag-aral nung high school.”
Yap can’t wait to enjoy the rest of All-Star Weekend.
And give back to the fans, too.
“Ang purpose talaga ng All-Star is to give back to the fans,” he said. “Kasi ‘yan ‘yung mga sumusuporta sa atin. Walang PBA kung walang fans. Ginawa ‘to para makihalubilo sa fans, kung gusto nila magpa-picture sa mga idol nila.
“Ako, ang mindset ko lagi ‘pag nasa All-Star, kung kaya mo i-accommodate lahat ng nagpapa-picture sa’yo, i-accommodate mo kasi ito ‘yung time na makapag-thank you ka sa kanila, sa suporta nila sa PBA.”
