FILE–James Yap is joining Blackwater Bossing in the PBA after many years with Rain or Shine. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–James Yap has agreed to play for Blackwater for the season-ending PBA Philippine Cup which starts later this month, team owner Dioceldo Sy said Thursday.
Sy confirmed Yap’s addition to the Bossing lineup on Instagram, more than a week after the two-time Most Valuable Player was released by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Yap later confirmed the signing, adding that he will wear No. 15 instead of his trademark No. 18 jersey.
READ: PBA: ‘Nervous’ James Yap felt like a rookie again in return
“Say hello to your new Bossing, James Yap, number 15,” said Yap, also on Instagram.
The signing shut off rumors of Yap retiring after a colorful PBA career that started in 2004 with the Purefoods franchise.
He has dabbled into the political arena after being elected as San Juan City councilor in 2022.
READ: James Yap, Kevin Alas intersect at PBA All-Stars
Blackwater is hoping to get some contributions from Yap, particularly a leadership role in a relatively young squad.
Yap will also reunite with Bossing coach Jeffrey Cariaso, an assistant during their days with San Mig Super Coffee.