James Yap suiting up in game four vs Alaska ‘not a slam dunk yet,’ says Cone

James Yap PBA IMAGE / Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — James Yap suiting up for San Mig Coffee on a do-or-die game on Saturday remains a game-time decision. But one thing is for sure, his back is not getting any better.

Yap barely had an impact in the Mixers’ 82-89 setback to Alaska in game three of their best-of-five semifinals, and the idea of him saving them in game four might need to be put on hold.

“The decision on whether James will play or not is not a slam dunk yet, but his back is certainly not improving and actually getting worse,” said head coach Tim Cone in a text message to INQUIRER.net on Thursday.

Yap’s back pain — which he described as something he’s never experienced before — has been nagging him since the quarterfinals of the 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

He has constantly played through it, but Yap obviously hasn’t been his usual dominant self.

“He is doing everything he can, including late night and early morning therapy sessions, alternative medicines, you name it,” said Cone.

Cone, though, is entertaining the possibility that they might have reached a dead end when it comes to Yap pushing past the pain.

“He’s playing with pain and so at what point does he or we say enough is enough?  We might be there now,” Cone said.

He commended Yap’s dedication though, saying “he’s shown great character trying to battle through this. A lesser player would have backed off long before now.”