James Yap finished with five points in nearly 13 minutes on the floor for his debut with the Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup.
James Yap still has a lot left in his tank.
That is what Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso firmly believes as Yap and the rest of the Bossing got past Meralco, 96-93, in the PBA Philippine Cup opener at the Ynares Sports Centre in Antipolo on Wednesday, Feb. 28.
Yap wound up with five points on a two-for-five clip in nearly 13 minutes of action with his new team. He first checked in at the 4:24 mark of the first quarter and made his first two points with the squad just a minute later.
“He still has something left to give and we’re looking forward to that,” Cariaso said of the two-time Most Valuable Player in the post-game presser.
For Rey Nambatac, who starred in the win with his 27 points and career-high 10 assists, said that Yap just needs more playing time to showcase more of his "Big Game." Nambatac previously stated that Yap was his idol.
“All he needs is playing time para lumabas ang laro niya. I think, ito 'yung fit na team para sa kanya," said Nambatac.
Nambatac also noted Yap's three-pointer nearly three minutes into the fourth period, saying that age – in the case of the former University of the East star, 42, – is just a number.
“Para sa akin, age is just a number. Kita ninyo kanina… mayroon siyang hit na crucial three points, ako pumasa,” said Nambatac.
Yap's trey gave Blackwater a comfortable 81-67 cushion.
Namabatac took over from there, engaging in a shootout with the Bolts' Allein Maliksi.
Maliksi came through with 27 points, 20 of which in the fourth period that allowed the Bolts to move to within a point, 94-93, after his triple with 56.5 seconds to go.
But Nambatac eventually won the joust, nailing a pair of pressure-packed charities with 19.5 left to secure the win for the Bossing.
“Thankful and grateful to coach Jeff and teammates. Sobrang laki ng tiwala nila sa akin,” Nambatac said.