By Adrian Stewart Co
Negrense James Yap of Rain or Shine (RoS) Elasto Painters is now free from injuries as he gears up for the possible resumption of the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup next month.
The Escalante City, Negros Occidental-native said he has strengthened his body during the Covid-19 break including his groin, which sidelined him last season.
“Lahat ng naramdaman kong sakit pinalakas ko na,” Yap said in an interview during “The Link” podcast of Rey Joble. “Lahat ng body parts ko ngayon pinalalakas ko para ‘pag resume, ready na ang katawan ko.”
Yap, a two-time PBA MVP awardee, added that he also made sure to be in tip top shape as he workout daily in Italy, where he spent his quarantine period before returning to the country recently.
“Noong nasa Italy ako hindi pwedeng hindi mag-work out, kailangang magpapawis doon kasi alam mo naman ang pagkain doon, pizza, pasta,” said the former University of the East Red Warrior.
“Ang house namin siguro five minutes away basketball court na tapos may football field, so doon ako nagwo-work out, tumatakbo,” the Negrense added.
The 38-year-old Yap also said that he is eager to join the Painters in training as one of his goals is to deliver a championship to the team before he decides to retire from basketball.
“Sana bigyan tayo ng chance ni God, bago matapos ang career ko makapag-champion ako sa Rain or Shine,” Yap said. “I’m sure ‘yung kasiyahan, ‘yung saya na maibibigay kay [Painters matriarch Margareth] Yu talagang hindi mapapalitan ng kahit anong bagay.”/ASC, WDJ