Though Rain or Shine lost to Meralco on Saturday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, James Yap was still on top of the world. And he has every right to feel that way, as he has finally reached another milestone in his illustrious career.
The two-time Most Valuable Player, after so many games, finally hit 10,000 career points.
“Sabi ko na ang hirap eh,” said a relieved Yap moments after the match, regarding the achievement. “Pero ganon talaga.
“Thankful kay God. Gusto ko magpasalamat sa mga sumusuporta sakin lalo na sa mga fans.”
The last time a PBA player scored 10,000 points in his career was 16 years ago, done by none other than the Defensive Minister Jerry Codiñera during his stint with the now-defunct franchise Mobiline Phone Pals in 2001.
Even the 35-year-old from Escalante, Negros Occidental, who had chances to reach 10K in the last two games, was surprised upon learning that the last time a player reached that milestone was nearly two decades ago.
“Sabi ko ano ba ‘tong 10,000 na ‘to? So sinearch ko tapos 16 years pa pala yung huli,” shared the 14-time All-Star of his discovery.
“Si Jerry pala yung last. So, blessed ako. College pa ako noong huling nangyari ‘to.”
And that is why Yap never thought that he would be the next to Codiñera and the 14th player to nail that record.
“‘Di ko na-imagine na makuha ko yun,” said Yap, whose moment of glory came through a left corner triple with less than 50 seconds remaining in the third canto.
“Kasi sa lahat ng awards ko na nakuha ‘di ko iniisip yon.”
As he has formalized his entry into an elite club, Yap, as always, never failed to show appreciation to all the ones who was there with him since day one. And of course, he did not forget to thank his former team, Purefoods — the place where James Yap became James Yap.
“Nagpapasalamat din ako sa Purefoods franchise,” said the 13-year veteran.
Asked to name somebody from his peers and from the newer batches of players whom he sees has the potential to replicate his feat, Yap instead gave out his two cents, pointing out that reaching 10K will be hard to attain.
“Bago makuha kailangan maka-12, 13 years ka muna and kailangan makapasok ka rin sa Finals. Dapat pumapasok team mo sa finals,” said Yap.
“Naisip ko nga na ang hirap pala talaga maka-10,000.”
Yap may be in the twilight of his career, but it was an overwhelming sight to see that he has cemented his status once more as one of the best to ever do it.
