James Yap’s gun is smoking

MANILA, Philippines — LA Tenorio is now officially the new PBA Iron Man while two-time MVP awardee James Yap is hanging on as Mr. Pistolero.

With his average of 2.4 three-point conversions made in a game in the season, Yap is now just three triples away from moving up to fourth in the list of most prolific PBA three-pointers of all time.

The Rain or Shine gunslinger is about to move past Dondon Hontiveros who made 1,117 treys in his own sterling career.

Looking still safe are the records of the top three – Jimmy Alapag (1,250), Allan Caidic (1,242) and Ronnie Magsanoc (1,171).

The rejuvenated Yap is also back with his MVP numbers as he’s making 14.73 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists an outing.

He’s at his hottest form since averaging 16.7 points with B-Meg in the 2011-12 campaign. His numbers declined after that season.

He has sustained his fiery shooting from afar since reclaiming the Three-Point Shootout plum in last year’s PBA All-Star festivities in Batangas City.

“I’ve been enjoying a good shooting form and regaining my confidence,” said Yap, who’s defending his three-point crown in the coming All-Stars in Calasiao, Pangasinan versus a tough cast of challengers including Gilas gunners Tenorio, Matthew Wright, Marcio Lassiter and RR Pogoy.

Also challenging Yap are PJ Simon, Philip Paniamogan, Robert Bolick, Mike Digregorio, Reden Celda, and Baser Amer.

“Good cast. It could be an exciting contest to watch for the fans,” said Yap.

Yap’s steady game and the solid team effort churned out by the Elasto Painters fuelled their 8-3 (win-loss) finish in the elimination round.

The E-Painters, however, may still be relegated to No. 4 if the TNT KaTropa and the Barangay Ginebra Kings catch up with them at 8-3.

Phoenix Pulse is already posted on top at 9-2 while ROS, TNT and Ginebra are left to dispute the No. 2 spot.