James Yap still not used to watching Star play without him

MANILA, Philippines – It was still strange seeing the Star Hotshots take to the court on Sunday, November 20 without James Yap. 

The former franchise player felt the same way.

“Nakakapanibago dahil wala na ako diyan sa team na ‘yan pero kailangan mag-move on (I’m still not used to not being on that team but I have to move on),” he said in a brief conversation as he left after the opening period.

“Excited na makapaglaro sa bago kong team (I’m excited to play with my new team).”

Yap, 34, watched his old team kick off the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup in a game against the San Miguel Beermen at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

He sat courtside beside new Rain or Shine teammates Jericho Cruz and rookie Mike Tolomia, adjacent to the Hotshots’ bench.

The 13-time PBA All-Star who has been with the Star franchise since his rookie year in 2004 discussed the game with his teammates throughout the quarter, visibly settling into his new reality after he was unexpectedly traded to the Painters for Paul Lee in the offseason.

The 2014 Grand Slam team is attempting to rebuild after a subpar 2016 season under new coach Chito Victolero.

“May pagka-weird pero kailangan tanggapin. Pero panibagong team and kailangan excited ka.” (It’s a bit weird but I have to accept it. This is a new team and I have to be excited.)

Yap, however, doesn’t expect to play until the third game on December 4, when Rain or Shine takes on Barangay Ginebra as he is still recovering from an arthroscopy procedure done on his right knee.

He will begin running again in practice on Monday, November 21.

Rain or Shine, which also has a new coach in Caloy Garcia, debuts in the Philippine Cup on Wednesday versus TNT. – Rappler.com