Yap making sure he’s in top shape when Rain or Shine faces Star

James Yap during Rain or Shine practice. Randolph B. Leongson/INQUIRER.net

If there’s one team James Yap badly wants to face, it’s definitely his old team Star.

He even went out of his way to try to make sure he will be cleared to play in the game.

“Actually, dapat opening game kami (ng Star), so kinausap ko yung management at coach Caloy (Garcia), sabi ko wag muna dahil hindi pa tayo 100-percent. Nasa 70-percent pa lang tayo nun, so gusto ko 100-percent pag kalaban natin yun,” he said.

Traded to Rain or Shine in a blockbuster deal for Paul Lee in the offseason, this will be Yap’s first time
facing the Purefoods franchise in his 13-year professional career. And he’s definitely pumped for the duel, saying, “Masaya yun.”

The two-time PBA MVP has to wait, though, as he is still recovering from his arthroscopy on his right knee. He expects to return to the court next week.

“One more week, makakasabay na ako sa kanila. More on strengthening and therapy muna ako,” he said.

And the 34-year-old Yap believes that once he gets himself cleared, he and his knee will be better than ever.

“Oo, ibang iba,” he said, as he looks forward for a career renaissance with Rain or Shine.

“Alam naman natin ang Rain or Shine, malakas na team ito. Gagawin ko lang dito yung mga bagay para makatulong sa kanila. Gagawin ko lang yung best ko at syempre, kailangan ko mag-adapt sa system nila. Hopefully, mapabilis yung proseso.”