By REYNALD MAGALLON
After a three-conference hiatus, James Yap is set for a much-awaited return to the hardcourt after signing a one-conference deal with Rain or Shine, the team announced on Friday, Jan. 6.
The Elasto Painters actually wanted to have the two-time league MVP for a year but Yap, who is also serving as councilor to the city of San Juan, opted for the shorter contract.
“Big Game is back for more,” said Rain or Shine in its Facebook post.
“James Yap is officially back with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and will play in the upcoming Governor’s Cup. James was offered a one-year deal, but he opted to sign for one conference only. Yap says that he will do his best to balance basketball and public service,” it further wrote.
ROS owners Raymond Yu and Terry Que expressed delight with the return of two-time MVP in the team, believing Yap still has what it takes to inspire and motivate the team’s young guns.
Yap last played in the 2021 Philippine Cup in the semi-bubble in Bacolor and is officially joining the team for the 2022 Governors’ Cup.
The seven-time PBA champion is bolstering the lineup composed of young guns Rey Nambatac, Gian Mamuyac, Andrei Caracut, Santi Santillan, Anton Asistio, Mike Nieto and Shaun Ildefonso along with fellow veterans Beau Belga, Gabe Norwood and Jewel Ponferrada.
Yap will also get reunited with head coach Yeng Guiao who he last played for during the Asian Games with then Rain or Shine-backed Gilas Pilipinas in 2018.
The 40-year-old player has been working out and occasionally joining the Elasto Painters in practice since he first expressed his intentions to make a comeback early in the season.
Rain or Shine is coming off a quarterfinals finish in the mid-season conference and is looking to end a five-year playoff drought in the season-ending conference.
