JAMES Yap wasn't surprised with Gary David's late heroics during the Rain or Shine-Mahindra PBA Commissioner’s Cup game, insisting that ‘once a scorer will always a scorer,’ regardless of who’s guarding him.
“Alam naman natin si Gary, scorer 'yan. Makaka-shoot at makaka-shoot yan,” said Yap, who had David for his man on a Sunday night when ‘El Granada’ rediscovered his shooting form at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 38-year-old veteran played his best game in a Floodbuster uniform by torching Yap for 13 points in the final quarter – including three three-pointers – before the Elasto Painters pulled off a 99-95 win in overtime.
David finished 5-of-9 from the field and 3-of-6 from downtown.
“Sabi ko nga kay coach (Caloy), sa akin pa natapat,” he said laughing.
Yap was even teased about David always being a thorn in his side from his days with San Mig Coffee, which eight-seed Powerade stunned during the 2012 Philippine Cup quarterfinals behind the hot hands of ‘El Granada.’
“Pag nakikita niya nga yata ako talagang nanlalaki ang mga mata niya e,” said Yap, again breaking into laughter.
[See David says match-up with longtime rival Yap lit fire in his belly]
But on the serious side, the Rain or Shine superstar has nothing but respect for David, who was tabbed by Mahindra from the free agent list after failing to get a contract renewal from San Miguel.
Yap believes there’s still a lot left in the tank for the former Lyceum standout.
“Meron pa yan,” he said. “Tsaka si Gary, nagpapakundisyon naman, talagang he’s working hard.
“More on giving chance lang. Ganun naman ang mga players, Kung kundisyon ka nga, kung wala ka namang oras, paano mo mapapakita ito.”
Yap did his share in Rain or Shine's second straight win as he contributed 12 points and four rebounds. He also went 3-of-5 from three-point range.