“Nakakapanibago.”
That is how Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ guard James Yap described the way it felt facing his former team, the Star Hotshots, for the first time Sunday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Yap, who had been traded to the E-Painters during the off-season in exchange of guard Paul Lee, produced just nine markers in Rain or Shine’s second loss of the 2017 Philippine Cup, 99-91.
The 13-year veteran gave credit to the Hotshots for earning Sunday night’s win against them, pointing out that their opponents had had a better game plan coming into the esteemed affair.
“They moved the ball very well, kaya nahirapan kami dipensahan. Marami rin silang shooters. Yun ang nag-dictate dun sa laro,” remarked Yap.
“Naka-focus rin yung defense nila sa akin. Once na nakaposte ako, dino-double nila ako kaya pinapasa ko ‘yung bola ko sa mga big men namin. Maganda ‘yung game plan nila.”
The 2014 Grand Slam winner also gave props to one of his best pals PJ Simon, who was tasked to defend him all game long since they play the same spot at the two.
“PJ is PJ. Magaling talaga ‘yan. Bigay mo na sa kanya,” said Yap on Simon, his fellow PBA Draftee all the way back from 2003 and has had each other’s backs from then on.
Another defining moment of Sunday night’s match was the fans, who chanted “Thank you, James” in honor of their hero that had helped them give their team numerous championships.
With that gesture, the two-time Most Valuable Player is also thankful for the love he received from the Star faithful.
“Thank you rin sa kanila.
“I’m sure marami naman nasiyahan sa game. Ito rin naman ‘yung game na hinihintay ng lahat. Kaya sa lahat ng fans, sa Star, sa Rain or Shine, I hope na nag-enjoy sila,” he said.
Now that the first chapter of his touted match-up with his old team has wrapped up, with RoS on the losing end, Yap now shifts his focus to their coming games.
“Excited ako for this game. Kaso talo kami. Pero ganun talaga ang laro, may mananalo, may matatalo,” said Yap.
“Bawi na lang next game.”
