UAAP: UE icon James Yap impressed by Red Warriors’ progression

Former UE Red Warriors’ star and now PBA player James Yap watching the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball action. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Before the University of the East’s clash with La Salle in the second round of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament, PBA legend James Yap was in the tunnel ready to support the Red Warriors.

Yap, a former UE standout, was in attendance at Araneta Coliseum on Saturday in hopes of watching the squad from Recto wreak havoc anew against the defending league champions.

“Sobrang ganda (It’s really good),” said Yap on UE’s run in the current season.

READ: UAAP: Red-hot UE Warriors with ‘back to zero’ mentality in second round

“Hopefully, they keep the momentum because they look really good. UE’s improvement now is nice.”

Unfortunately, UE was unable to go back-to-back against the reigning kings of the UAAP as La Salle defeated the Red Warriors, 77-68, to keep a vise grip on the first seed.

UE dropped to a 5-3 card but still remained in prime position for the third seed just above University of Santo Tomas, which is holding a 4-3 slate.

Yap also lauded the Red Warriors’ unprecedented five-game win streak to end the first round.

READ: UAAP: UE Red Warriors surge buoyed by ‘supportive community’

“This five-game winning streak of theirs, this is where the confidence of the players goes high so hopefully, it doesn’t go away,” said Yap.

“In basketball, when you get three straight wins, the morale and confidence of the players will really be high.”

Yap also clarified that he’s not a member of the UE coaching staff but is more than willing to help his fellow councilor Don Allado.

“So far, there’s nothing [involvement]. I haven’t gone to their practices, although I always talk to assistant coach Konsi Don Allado, so we talk almost every time,” bared Yap.