Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

James Yap wants to get back in top shape before entering into contract talks with ROS


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.”

The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.

#ReadMore  PBA: Asistio, Santillan deliver in endgame as Rain or Shine escapes TNT
Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.


You May Also Like

Basketball

Stanley Pringle has taken matters into his own hands. With the Terrafirma franchise still in limbo and its future uncertain, the 6-foot-1 Filipino-American guard...

Basketball

A change of direction taken by the Korean Basketball League (KBL) team, his camp had spoken to ended Adrian Nocum’s hopes of taking his...

Basketball

Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao is keeping their options open as the team looks for possible upgrades following another PBA semifinal exit....

Basketball

Despite everything that came its way, TNT is marching on to the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals after showing Rain or Shine the...

Basketball

Rain or Shine avoided elimination–for now–following a 113-97 victory over a severely undermanned TNT to take Game 5 of their PBA Season 49 Philippine...

Basketball

From the looks of it, TNT reaching the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals is no longer a matter of how, but has become...

Basketball

Adrian Nocum isn’t going anywhere. The rising star guard on Tuesday signed a fresh three-year extension with Rain or Shine as the franchise clearly...

Basketball

Yeng Guiao didn’t appreciate how rough the opposition got, especially during the second half of Rain or Shine’s eventual victory over TNT in Game...

Advertisement