Yap, Hotshots brace for ‘big test’ vs San Miguel

After what had been a tough adjustment period under coach Jason Webb, James Yap admitted that slowly but surely, the Hotshots are embracing the way of the neophyte mentor.

“Nage-enjoy na kami, di tulad nung first three games na medyo tight. Naging loose na yung team kaya maganda yung tinatakbo namin,” he said.

Saddled at 1-4 early, Star has racked up three straight wins to get itself back in the middle of the pack. It now is tied for fifth with Rain or Shine, Mahindra, and TNT, all with identical 4-4 records.

Yap noted that the main reason for that was the defense, saying they have finally learned how to do it as a team.

“Ngayon, as a team na ulit kami dumepensa. Di na nagkakanya-kanya.”

That has snowballed into the improved showing from the rest of the Hotshots’ crew, notably from import Ricardo Ratliffe and winger Allein Maliksi who have been stepping up big.

“Siguro dahil nananalo kami, unti-unti na namin nakukuha yung sistema ni coach. Maganda na yung nilalaro ng halos lahat ng teammates ko,” said Yap.

And the team is hoping to sustain that fire, taking no breaks this Holy Week in preparation for its all-important matchup with powerhouse San Miguel.

“Sacrifice muna,” Yap said.

Yap said the game against the Beermen will gauge the real progress of the team.

“Big test sa amin ito kasi champion team yan. Ito yung game na magdi-dictate kung nasaan na kami. For sure, yung game na to, crucial para sa amin dahil dikit-dikit yung standings.