James Yap said that he’s now working double time on his body as he aims to be injury-free for Rain or Shine in the PBA season resumption.
“Ngayon nagdo-double time ako dahil ‘yung mga injury ko before, ‘yun ang tinututukan ko dahil ayoko ma-injure ulit,” he said.
The two-time Most Valuable Player suffered a groin injury twice last season. The first happened in June, causing him to miss the Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.
It haunted him again four months later during the season-ending Governors’ Cup, although it was the other groin which he hurt.
The 38-year-old said that the first three months of the break was actually beneficial since it actually helped him in his recovery.
That, until it turned even longer, no thanks to the crippling effects brought upon by the global health crisis.
“First three months nakatulong sa akin, at least na-relax din injuries ko,” said Yap, who spent three months in Italy with his wife and kids.
“Pero nung tumagal, medyo humihina naman ‘yung ibang parte ng katawan dahil hindi mo nawo-workout, kaya double time.”
Now, he’s keen on being in the best possible shape that he can be, as he aims to be of help for the Elasto Painters this Philippine Cup.
“Nakakahiya sa team, nakakahiya kay Coach [Caloy Garcia] — hindi ako makatulong kay Coach. Gusto ko makatulong sa team kaya ngayon double time.”