MANILA – Negrense guard James Yap remains undecided on his PBA future after the recent expiration of the one-conference contract he signed with Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
According to the Escalante City, Negros Occidental-native Yap, he has yet to think whether he will sign another contract with the Painters, sign with another PBA team, or will head to retirement.
“Wala pa,” the two-time PBA Most Valuable Player said in an interview following Painters’ 2023-2024 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals loss to San Miguel Beermen last Friday. “Retirement? Wala pa.”
Yap, who is also a councilor in San Juan City, has only averaged five points and one rebound in limited appearances for the Joseller “Yeng” Guiao-mentored Painters in the Comm’s Cup.
As his contract with the Painters expired, there were reports that Yap might consider to sign with his former team, Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, or consider some offers from Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
Guiao, in a separate interview, said that he will be open to accommodate Yap to the Painters roster for the upcoming PBA Philippine Cup if the team management will tender him an extension.
“Wala pa naman, kasi ‘yung level ng usapan kay James, nasa management ‘yun. Hindi naman sa ‘kin natatapos ‘yun. We will see what happens, but I would have to defer to our bosses regarding James’ situation,” Guiao said.
“‘Yung All-Filipino naman, mas less complicated pagdating sa rotation ng tao. At saka siya, kabisado niya ‘yung All-Filipino. So sa ‘kin, it will be the management’s decision,” he added.
However, Guiao said that, if ever Yap will return to the Painters, he is expecting him to be able to contribute to the team offensively.
“Ang problema doon, you will have to choose between giving that slot to a younger guy, or you will give it to him and expect him to produce,” Guiao said. “Hindi mo naman ibibigay ‘yung slot na ‘yan kung wala kang expectations na magko-contribute.”
“It’s also something na we have to evaluate. ‘Yung bang iko-contribute niya, mas higit ba ‘yun kaysa sa ibibigay mo na opportunities para sa mga bata to improve? “There’s a tug-of-war there. Saang side ka magde-decide?” he added./PN
