Rain or Shine’s James Yap is thrilled with the prospect of playing alongside legends and former teammates from the Purefoods franchise when he participates in the PBA All-Star Game on March 31 in Calasiao, Pangasinan.
Set to make his 16th All-Star appearance, Yap will suit up for the South squad which features ex-teammates Mark Barroca and PJ Simon of Magnolia and Purefoods greats Alvin Patrimonio and Jerry Codinera.
Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia, who will call the shots for the Southerners, hinted at the possibility of seeing all five play on the same floor, something Yap says will add flavor to the 30th edition of the extravaganza.
“Siyempre excited at masaya dahil kahit sa All-Star Game parang may reunion,” Yap said after Rain or Shine’s 88-85 win over Meralco on Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
“Itong All-Star na to para naman sa mga fans, gagawin namin lahat para mapasaya sila kung baga binabalik natin sa kanila yung suporta nila sa PBA. So ayun, excited,” added Yap.
Yap and Patrimonio were teammates during the latter’s rookie season in 2004 while he, Barroca and Simon were members of the San Mig Super Coffee’s 2014 Grand Slam season.
Patrimonio and Codinera filled the two legends spots allotted for the All-Star Game as members of the South team old buddies Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc serving as their counterparts for the North selection.
It will another busy All-Star festivity for Yap, who will also defend his crown in the Three-Point Shootout on March 29.
The 2006 and 2010 Most Valuable Player is slated to tie NLEX’s Asi Taulava for the most number of All-Star Game appearances.
