Two-time Philippine Basketball Association Most Valuable Player is set to sign a new deal with Rain or Shine, making him available to see action in season-ending Governors’ Cup.
Elasto Painters head of basketball operations Caloy Garcia confirmed the development to Daily Tribune, saying that the 40-year-old gunner had already attended their practices that started on 16 December.
“He already rejoined us in practices and he is really determined to return to action and play for us next conference,” Garcia said in a telephone conversation.
Suiting up for the Elasto Painters will be a reunion of sorts for Yap and head coach Yeng Guiao.
Guiao, in fact, coached Yap in the national squad that competed in the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship in Tianjin, China and in the 18th Asian Games that was held in Jakarta in 2018.
Unfortunately for them, the Elasto Painters failed to find a roster spot for Yap in the Commissioner’s Cup after the former University of the East star was elected as councilor of San Juan City in the national elections last May.
Now, Yap appears to have already settled in his new role and is bracing for a PBA comeback.
Guiao, who served as vice governor of Pampanga from 2004 to 2013, knows that juggling basketball and politics will not be easy.
“When I was a public servant in Pampanga, I was the one who made my schedule to make sure that there will not be conflict in my role as PBA head coach,” Guiao said.
“James’ role is different as he is still adjusting to his schedule as a public servant. So we told him to fix his schedule first then we’ll accommodate him.”
Yap, however, vowed that he can balance both.
“Game na!” he said when asked if he can serve the people of San Juan while lighting up the scoreboard for the Elasto Painters.
Hopes are high on the Elasto Painters with Guiao returning to the bench and Yap stepping back into the court.
