James Yap brushes off pressure in playing against former team Star

MANILA, Philippines — If James Yap had it his way, he’d want the game against his former team already chalked up as a win.

“Kung puwedeng panalo na lang, panalo na eh. Kaso lalaruin pa,” he, said in jest. “Sa Rain or Shine, lahat ready … [‘Yun ‘yung] game na tinigitgnan ng mga tao.”

All eyes are on the decorated veteran as Rain or Shine takes on Purefoods on December 18. Yap, who won seven championships with the Star Hotshots, was traded to the Elasto Painters in October.

Asked about his mind set on the highly anticipated tussle, the four-time PBA Most Valuable Player he’s not losing sleep over it.

“Still, it’s basketball, ‘di ba? Huwag mong bigyan ng pressure ‘yung sarili mo. All you have to do is play your game. Ganun lang naman eh. Kung masama ‘yung game natin, wala tayong magagawa,” he said.

“Pero paghahandaan natin itong game na ‘to. Alam natin diyan ako nanggaling — 12 years. Ang dami nating nabigay na (championships) diyan,” Yap noted.

But after registering his best game in a Painters uniform yet, Yap sure has drawn attention to himself.

Against the Blackwater Elite – Rain or Shine’s fourth game of the season – Yap led all Painters in scoring. The 34-year-old finished with 15 points and five rebounds in a game that saw the

Hotshots lead by as much as 22 markers, and take the league’s top spot.

“Ready lang ako lagi,” he said of his performance. “Syempre, bago ako sa team. Kumbaga, ‘yung adjustment ko, dapat hindi makasira sa team.”

Although Yap, who is playing in his 12th season, noted he hasn’t regained his prime form yet.

“Ninety, 85, 80 [percent]… Malapit na… At least ngayon kumbaga yung hangin, nandyan na. Pero hindi pa talaga solid,” he noted.

But he was quick to add that come game day against the Hotshots, he’ll be prepared — and with his new crew having his back.

“Alam naman ng lahat ng players, ng coaches na big deal sa akin ito,” he said. “I’m sure na susuportahan nila ako.”