Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia hopes to have a healthy James Yap soon, as the two-time PBA Most Valuable Player remains hobbled by knee issues.
In a report during Rain or Shine’s Philippine Cup match versus San Miguel Tuesday, Yap missed team practices after feeling tightness in his left knee.
“Puro therapy ‘yung ginawa niya. He wasn’t able to practice the last seven days,” the veteran bench tactician confirmed.
The 38-year-old was advised to rest, but he saw action in the game, which the Elasto Painters won, 87-83, thanks to Javee Mocon and Rey Nambatac.
“I asked him before the game if he wants to play, and he said he wants to play. Subukan daw niya,” Garcia said.
Yap played for exactly 11 minutes, although he missed all six of six shots from the field. He still collected a few rebounds, though.
“Kita naman siguro kulang lang ‘yung legs niya. We tried to get him to score, but today wasn’t for him,” said Garcia.
Moving forward, Garcia hopes that the 16-year veteran will recover as the shortened season goes along.
“In the bubble, we have continuous games. Let’s hope he’ll be healthy in the next game.”
