James Yap wants to get back in top shape first and foremost before sitting down with the Rain or Shine management to discuss a new contract.
The two-time PBA MVP said that he is still regaining form after being away from the game for several months to fulfill his duties and obligations since being elected as councilor in the first district of San Juan in the last May polls.
“Actually, hindi pa kami nag-uusap about sa contract,” shared Yap, who turned 40 last February. “Kasi, gusto ko pang magpa-condition para hindi naman tayo mapapahiya sa Rain or Shine na makipag-usap tayo.
“Kasi ‘yung management very understanding, kasi sinabi, ‘Kung kailan ka ready, sabihan mo lang kami.’ So ngayon, nasa stage ako na magpapa-kundisyon ako, kasi eight months, nine months na matagal natengga.”
Yap said moments after attending the Elasto Painters’ 113-105 loss to San Miguel Beer in the Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday night at the Philsports Arena. It was his first time to watch the team in months, he said.
It was actually his second time visiting the PBA since becoming a councilor. He previously watched Game Two of the Philippine Cup quarterfinals last July 29, as it was played at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
The seven-time champion, who gamely posed for photos with fans before and even during the game, felt the itch to come back.
“Parang feeling rookie ulit,” said Yap, who’s actually been attending Rain or Shine practices since August. “Sarap ng feeling na nanood ako ngayon. Eight months bago ako ulit nanood ng game ng team ko, Rain or Shine.
“Nakakapanibago. Pero yun nga, ang sarap ng feeling na parang gusto ko na pumasok kanina,” he added with a chuckle.
Asked if his return could take place sometime within the ongoing season, Yap reiterated that he would want to be in the best possible shape, motivated to become an asset once he plunges back into action with the ball club.
“Baka. Kasi ‘yun nga, sabi ng management, let us know, anytime naman pwede naman tayong bigyan ng management ng kontrata.
“Yun nga lang, gusto ko lang din na yung ibibigay nila, eh masuklian natin kahit papaano,” said the 16-time All-Star. “Hindi ‘yung parang bumalik ka lang na parang nandiyan ka lang. ‘Yun ‘yung nasa mind ko ngayon.”
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
