By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Blackwater Bossing veteran James Yap was sidelined due to a minor hand injury in the early part of the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup, which began last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

According to Bossing team governor Silliman Sy, the Negros Occidental’s Escalante City-native was very much part of the team, even if he was not listed on the opening day roster.

“Namamaga ‘yung kamay niya,” Sy said during the PBA’s pre-season press conference.

“He has to take a two- to three-week rest. Gusto niyang maglaro.”

“He wants to be the first to take the four-point shot, but namamaga ‘yung kamay niya,” the Blackwater official added.

Yap averaged 3.7 points and shot 5-of-14 from three-point range in his six-game appearance with the Bossing in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup.

The 42-year-old Yap said in an interview during the PBA Media Day that he hopes to be the first player to convert from the four-point shot.

“Ako din excited ako eh. Sana ako unang maka-shoot,” Yap said.

“Pero ang may advantage dito ‘yung mga long-range shooters, ‘yung mga malalakas ang pulso, mga shooters kasi na-short lang ‘yung range,” he said.

“Subukan natin [kasi] bago eh, exciting. Syempre madaming excited na mga players. Madami ring side comments. Ganun talaga pero, at least, may aabangan ang mga fans. Syempre mayroong mga fans na against, mayroon ding hindi, ganun talaga,” he added./ASC, WDJ