ANTIPOLO – The James Yap effect at Blackwater extends outside of the playing court.
While the former two-time MVP is still good enough to produce modest numbers for the Bossing, the 42-year-old Yap continues to bring in the fans and onlookers both during games and in practices.
Jeff Cariaso disclosed how different team practices had become since signing Yap to a one-year contract as a free agent.
Yap's fans flock team practices
“Every day at practice before James came, we had no one watching practice. The minute dumating si James, ang dami nang tao sa practice namin wanting to watch, all waiting to come in,” said Cariaso.
Yap played the first game for what is expected to be his final PBA stop on Wednesday when Blackwater escaped past Meralco, 96-93, at the Ynares Arena.
The seven-time champion finished with five points and a single rebound to help the Bossing win their first outing in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Yap asks for more game tickets
And proof that he still draws in the crowd, Yap said he requested Blackwater management additional tickets in order to accommodate some of his supporters.
“Ang daming humihingi ng tickets. Sabi ko sa Blackwater pahingi ng medyo madami. Buti na lang binigay. Kaya shoutout kay Boss Dioceldo (Sy) dahil pumayag sa gusto ko.”
Despite Yap's advanced age, Cariaso and new acquisition Rey Nambatac both agreed Yap could still contribute to the Blackwater cause.
“He still has something left to give and we’re looking forward to that,” said Cariaso.
Added Nambatac, who had 27 points and a career-high 10 assists in his Blackwater debut, “Para sa akin, age is just a number. All he needs is just playing time para lumabas yung laro niya. And I think Blackwater, ito yung team na fit para sa kanya.”
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