San Mig star Yap joins Gilas cheering section

INSTAGRAM PHOTO/jamesyap18

SEVILLE, Spain—James Yap quietly made his way into this laid-back city on Friday night (Saturday in Manila), but unlike his fellow PBA superstar-millionaires, he’s not here to play, but to cheer.

“I’m a fan this time. I’m here to show support,” the former two-time MVP said at the Melia Hotel lobby, where he stays together with a big number of PBA, Gilas Pilipinas officials and supporters.

On vacation for the last three weeks, Yap left girlfriend Michaela Cazzola in Italy and took a two-hour trip by plane to cheer the Nationals in their first three games in the Fiba World Cup.

He flies back to Italy on Sept. 2 before returning to Manila with Cazzola two days later and rejoining his San Mig Coffee teammates in their preseason buildup starting Sept. 10.

Yap enjoyed a rejuvenation the past PBA season, helping the Mixers complete just the league’s fifth Grand Slam, which re-established Yap as one of the best gunslingers in the league once more and worthy of a Philippine team spot.

Asked if he would again be interested in playing for flag and country like when he did in 2009, Yap didn’t shut the door.

“Definitely,” the 32-year-old said. “But we will see if my body can still take it.” Musong R. Castillo