GOODBYE No. 18.
This represents a short but meaningful new phrase as James Yap starts a new chapter in his storied career with new team Blackwater.
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Since his high school days, Yap has been donning the No. 18 jersey, which already became iconic being identified the popular PBA star.
But here's the story on why he suddenly ditched it.
When Yap joined the Blackwater Bossing practice for the first time on Thursday morning at the Ronac Gym, he was about to ask for the jersey number which is currently owned by the team’s top big man Troy Rosario.
But Yap has always been shy, so he couldn't muster the courage to ask for the number.
Rosario told SPIN.ph that when he was about to give the jersey, Yap suddenly said he already has a new number, which represented his birthday - February 15.
“Pagdating nya sa practice, niloko n'ya ko, ‘Ang ganda talaga ng No. 18,' so tumawa ako. Sabi ko, ‘Gusto mo ba?’ Kaso sabi nya, 'wag na raw kasi gusto rin nya muna ng iba for a change,” said Rosario.
“Actually, willing naman ako ibigay. Kaso sabi nya 'wag na daw nga. Kaya di ko na in-insist,” said the former Gilas Pilipinas stretch 4.
James Yap is Troy's idol
Rosario bared Yap was his childhood idol.
“Idol ko si James, so bakit naman hindi ko ibibigay yung jersey number. Ang dami pa namang iba na numero,” he added.
Meanwhile, SPIN.ph learned the No. 15 that Yap will now use was formerly owned by James Sena, who decided to use No. 31 instead to give way to his new teammate.
Yap’s other choice for his new jersey number was 7, which incidentally was assigned to rookie James Kwekuteye. His fourth option was jersey No. 9.
So as not to complicate things, Yap immediately picked up the 15 jersey left by Sena.
Aside from No. 18, the only other number Yap used in his pro career was No. 6 when he suited up for Powerade Team Pilipinas in the 2009 Fiba Asia Championship, back when jersey numbers in Fiba tournaments were limited from 4 to 16.
In a short chat with SPIN.ph, Yap bared that he wanted a change especially since he wants to spend the last remaining years of his basketball career giving back to his fans.
“Ang daming championships at memories na naibigay sa akin ng No. 18. Pero time to let go. Try ko naman ng iba, after all, one of the reasons why I am joining Blackwater is I want to prove I can still play, then hopefully end my career ng maganda and still be at the top of my game,” he said.
James eyes fitting end
“Yun lang naman ang hinihintay kong last storyline ng PBA career ko,” added Yap, who averaged 5 points and 1 rebound playing 9.74 minutes on average for Rain or Shine, where he only appeared in three games.
Asked if he can improve the numbers he logged at Rain or Shine, Yap was non-committal.
“Susubukan ko. Alam mo naman basta challenge ready tayo. I just hope I get the minutes. Yun naman isa sa pinangako ni Mr. Dioceldo Sy sa akin. So whatever minutes they will give me, I will make sure to make the most out of it,” he said.
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