JAMES Yap is not in the opening day roster of Blackwater for the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup due to a hand injury.
Blackwater team governor Silliman Sy said the 42-year-old Yap definitely has every intention to play his 20th season in the league but will be sidelined in the first few games for the Bossing.
“Namamaga ‘yung kamay niya,” said Sy. “He has to take a two- to three-week rest. Gusto niyang maglaro,” said Sy.
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Yap suited up in his first conference with Blackwater last season after being released by Rain or Shine. He played in six games and averaged 3.7 points and shot 5-of-14 from three-point range during the Philippine Cup.
“He wants to be the first to take the four-point shot but namamaga ‘yung kamay niya,” said Sy.
The two-time PBA MVP was present during PBA Media Day, proof that he intends to suit up for the 2024-25 season of the league. He, however, is also taking a cautious approach for the Governors’ Cup and avoid major injuries along the way.
He will officially be in his 20th season once he is fielded in a game.
“Ang mindset ko ngayon, stay healthy lang talaga. ‘Yun ang pinakaimportante. Mahirap ‘yung kundisyon ka na tapos may sasakit ng konti, matitigil ka. Parang back to zero ka,” said Yap.
The concurrent San Juan councilor said he looks forward to taking four-point shots that the league is introducing this conference.
“Subukan natin. Bago eh. Excited ako. I’m sure maraming excited na players. Maraming side comments. Ganun talaga," he said. "At least may aabangan ‘yung mga fans. At least, kung mag-work man, mauna tayo."
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