It’s difficult for a two-time Most Valuable Player and once acknowledged as the face of the Philippine Basketball Association to take a backseat and let the young players take over his spot.
But James Yap willingly embraced it while playing for Rain or Shine at the twilight of his career.
From the bench, Yap watched these young players perform while helping them out during practices, sharing his wealth of knowledge that made him as one of the all-time best in the PBA.
Until the final day as a Rain or Shine Elasto Painter, Yap showed the meaning of a true professional.
“First thing you have to admire about James is his professionalism,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. “Even when he already knew that his minutes had diminished and he needed to give way to younger players, he didn’t shy away from sharing his knowledge.”
According to Guiao, a player in Yap’s stature would normally have reservations taking the backseat to lesser known players or even insist some special treatment due to his accomplishments.
“But you didn’t hear any complaints from James nor he had shown some attitude of a superstar “ added Guiao. “Most of the time, a player in the stature of James would be in denial that he cannot do the things that he had been doing before.”
“James was really open-minded and he embraced it, knowing he had to give way to younger players. He knows that it’s time for him to embrace such role that’s why we truly admire his professionalism.”
Yap and the Elasto Painters mutually agreed to part ways and Rain or Shine management is planning to fete the seven-time PBA champion by retiring his No.18 jersey anytime soon.
