James Yap debuts with Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES
ANTIPOLO CITY—James Yap got what he wanted in his first appearance in a Blackwater uniform.
“We got a win right off the bat, and I was able to play,” Yap said in Filipino after playing 13 minutes in the Bossing’s 96-93 victory over the Meralco Bolts to open the PBA Philippine Cup at Ynares Center here.
Wearing No. 15 instead of the familiar No. 18, Yap scored five points in Wednesday’s triumph, producing his patented jumper in the first half and knocking down a three-pointer in the fourth quarter.
“I felt really excited going in because of being in a new team, having a new jersey number and having new teammates,” he added.
Those shots are what fans have remembered of Yap when he was winning championships and collecting Most Valuable Player awards while with the Purefoods franchise. But at 42 years old, those glory days are a thing of the past.
James Yap showing his game! 1st 2 as a Bossing!
Blackwater trails, 14-19. #PBAAngatAngLaban pic.twitter.com/eFiVolW0t9
— PBA (@pbaconnect) February 28, 2024
He joined Blackwater after ending an eight-year run at Rain or Shine, reuniting him with coach Jeffrey Cariaso, an assistant when Yap was part of San Mig Super Coffee’s 2014 Grand Slam season.
READ: PBA: Rey Nambatac makes Blackwater debut, leads win over Meralco
Cariaso expressed belief that Yap still has a lot left in the tank and can still provide valuable contributions to a Blackwater squad in need of a veteran presence.
“I told Coach that whenever he needs me, I’m ready,” said Yap. “He also assured me that he will use me, though I’m not demanding for long minutes or at least 40 minutes per game.
“At least I know that I can show what I’ll work on in practice during a real game,” he added.
Blackwater opened the conference on a winning note, with another ex-Rain or Shine player in Rey Nambatac leading the charge with his 27 points and 10 assists.