Former two-time MVP James Yap of Star will be sidelined for at least 10 days with a bruised right pelvic bone that will keep him out in the final two games of the Hotshots in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
The 34-year-old Yap was in civilian clothes as Star defeated Meralco, 104-103, on a game-winning looping shot by import Joel Wright with 0.7 second left that snapped a five-game skid and improved their record to 2-7 to stay in playoff contention last Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The team’s remaining two games will be against league-leader TNT KaTropa (8-1) on Sunday and Rain or Shine (4-5) on Sept. 16, both at the MOA Arena.
“I was advised to rest, sa ngayon kasi masakit yung buto e,” said Yap yesterday.
Yap sustained the injury during their game against Phoenix Fuel last Friday following an inadvertent elbow by teammate RR Garcia.
“Pagka-rebound ni RR, nabagsakan nya ako ng siko,” Yap said.
The league MVP during the 2006 and 2010 seasons, Yap has been struggling with his point production this conference as he averages just 7.25 points. Prior to the Governors’ Cup, Yap had a PRP on his right calf muscle.
Yap mentioned, however, that he has already recovered from that injury. He’s disappointed, though, that another injury would prevent him from joining the team in this crucial time of the conference as Star faces must-win games to make it to the playoffs.
Currently at 11th spot, there is still a chance for the Hotshots to make it to the quarterfinals, and if this happens, Yap said he’ll be available.
“Kung makaka-abot kami, aabot naman ako kasi ang sabi 10 days OK na ako,” said Yap.