Cone sees Yap returning to Big Game James under Webb

MANILA, Philippines — New Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone believes the expected departure of the Star Hotshots from the triangle offense under new rookie mentor Jason Webb would mark the ‘rebirth’ of superstar gunner James Yap next season.

For one, Webb declared recently that he will be running an offense that will veer away from Cone’s famed ‘triangle’.

Cone felt the change in Webb’s approach would suit Yap, a noted scorer all throughout his basketball career.

“I think Jason’s system can re-energize James. I’m not gonna be surprised if he (Yap) steps out again because his (Webb) system will be more up-tempo,” Cone said.

Yap saw his career stats dip to all-time low of 11.7 points and just 2.8 rebounds last season, a period that also marked the Hotshots’ failure to defend all their three PBA championships.

Yet, Cone explained that the 6-foot-2 Yap made the necessary sacrifices to ensure everyone gets more involved on offense, a fact that drew the multi-titled coach’s admiration.

“James really sacrificed himself to mesh himself into the (triangle) system. And that for me is his greatest legacy at this era of the team,” Cone said in honoring Yap, who is known for his moniker ‘Big Game’ James.

“He sacrificed his game to mesh himself because if he didn’t do that, we wouldn’t have the type of success that we had,” he added.

Cone, who was formally announced as Ginebra’s new coach on Thursday, stressed that during his four-year coaching stint with the Hotshots, he had to convince Yap to play a certain role to make sure they become successful.

“I had to convince him (Yap) to be this type of James so everybody can be involved and achieve more as a team.”

Although Yap’s numbers gradually went down each season during Cone’s four-year coaching tenure with the Purefoods franchise, the Hotshots managed to five league championships, including the grand slam in the 2014 season.

“I really appreciate what James did for us. He’s kinda been criticized for his numbers which went down. But as his numbers went down, we won more games and in effect, championships,” said Cone.

“It’s a great tribute to him.”