By REYNALD MAGALLON
A new jersey number for the fresh start to James Yap’s career.
The two-time Most Valuable Player is letting go of his longtime jersey number as he begins the final chapter of his storied career after joining the Bossing for the upcoming PBA Philippine Cup.
The veteran forward is set to sign a one-year deal with the Ever Bilena franchise on Friday, Feb. 9 and actually already participated in the Bossing practice on Thursday, Feb. 8.
Big man Troy Rosario already wears the number with Blackwater which prompted Yap to choose No. 15 as his new jersey number.
“Farewell Eighteen… the jersey number I’ve always had since I started playing serious basketball… from Hua Siong College Iloilo, to UE, to PBL, and then PBA,” said the 41-year-old in an Instagram post.
“I guess it’s safe to say that this number will always be a part of me, my career, my whole life. Thank you God for the privilege, the blessings, the awards, and championships I got, while carrying this number,” he wrote.
Wearing the No. 18 jersey, Yap went on to win seven championships, including the Grand Slam with San Mig Coffee Mixers in 2014. The veteran cager also wore the same number when he got traded to Rain or Shine where he spent the last eight years before getting released a couple of weeks ago.
As respect to Yap’s contributions to the Elasto Painters franchise, the Raymund Yu and Terry Que -owned team announced that it is also retiring his No. 18 number.
“Grateful ako sa lahat ng hirap at lahat ng saya na dumating sa buhay ko, habang bitbit ko ang number na’to,” said Yap.
‘The Big Game’ then went on to ask his fans to continue to support him as he eyes a fitting end to his career.
“As I move into a new team, a number will be given to me. Sana suportahan niyo parin ako, wala naman magbabago… iiwanan ko lang ang number 18, pero hindi ang BASKETBALL,” said Yap.
“Thank you and goodbye number 18, that was a meaningful and unforgettable run,” he added.
