James Yap is back on top where he belongs

MANILA, Philippines – After months of criticism, injury, and even distraction from showbiz controversies, James Yap is back where he comfortably belongs: the top.

“Masaya. Yun naman ang pinagdarasal ko lagi. Nag-struggle ako pero narinig naman niya ang prayer ko. Nagpapasalamat ako sa buong coaching staff at team dahil sa tiwala nila sa akin,” Yap, who is the latest PBA Finals Most Valuable Player after San Mig Coffee conquered Talk ‘N Text on Thursday, told members of the press.

(I am grateful. I always prayed for my struggles to end and it finally did. I am thankful because the entire team did not lose their trust on me)

The former two-time PBA Most Valuable Player had to brave every adversity that tried to hinder his journey, from talks that he is no longer in his prime, to injuries that threatened to hobble his basketball campaign, not to mention the legal issues between him and former spouse Kris Aquino.

Yap didn’t lose faith; all the negativity that surrounded the 32-year-old Escalante, Negros Occidental native finally came to an end, and his determination to continue succeeding pushed him back to the perch where he is used to be.

“In-encourage talaga nila ako at hindi sila nawalan ng pag-asa sa akin,” the six-time PBA champion said.

(The team kept encouraging me and they didn’t lose hope)

YAP STAR. James Yap hoists up the Commissioner's Cup Finals MVP award. Photo by Kevin Dela Cruz/Rappler

Hitting big shot after big shot, Yap is back as the Finals MVP for the Mixers, two years after last clinching the distinction also against the Tropang Texters in the 2012 Commissioner’s Cup finale.

Overcoming doubt, injury, controversy

But before Yap’s wheel of fortune would turn in a way where he could make his grand return to the podium, it first had to go through the worst stops in Yap’s career.

The Mixers shooter’s field goal percentage dipped to just 34.7% this season; he had to battle injury and doubt alike while trying to prove he had enough left in his seasoned tank.

Outside of basketball, Yap’s showbiz side also made the headlines. He and his ex-wife Kris Aquino had several issues in the past before the two were finally able to settle with an agreement concerning custody of their child Bimby Aquino.

“Hindi mo talaga maiiwasan ‘yun. Hindi mo naman mapi-please lahat ng tao. Ang ginawa ko na lang extrang dasal, extrang shooting, extrang practice,” quipped Yap on how he handled all the problems.

(You can’t please everybody. Everything is just part of my career. I just put extra effort on praying and practice)

Staying hungry

Yap chose to move forward. He didn’t mind the pain at all.

“Basta ako, maglalaro ako hangga’t kaya ko. Titigil na lang siguro ako kapag hindi ko na kaya,” he added.

(I will play as long as I can. I think the only time I’ll stop is when I can’t take it anymore)

And after adding three more championships to his resume in just a year, the 6-foot-3 sniper is up to the challenge to remain on top.

“Ito yung challenge. Maglalaro lang kami at sana hindi kami mag-relax. Sobrang hirap ng grand slam pero ibibigay namin ang lahat.”

(That is the challenge – to win a grand slam. It is difficult but we will give our best)

Asked how much is left in his tank, Yap said he isn’t even near the finish line yet.

“Di ko pa alam. Siguro 5 to 6 more years. Sana dito na ako mag-retire under niya (Coach Tim Cone). Hindi natin alam naman natin hawak ‘yun pero maglalaro ako para sa kanya.”

(I am not yet sure. Maybe 5 of 6 more years. I hope I can retire under Coach Tim Cone. We don’t know what will come next but for sure, I will play for him)

People will still see Yap for a while. Five or more years of seeing him hit the big shot. Five or more years of witnessing ‘Big Game James.’

– Rappler.com