James Yap hasn't played in the PBA for over a year now.
James Yap may have just teased his possible PBA comeback on social media.
The two-time MVP posted on his Instagram video clips of Rain or Shine’s return to practice, the team’s first for the Governor’s Cup. Practicing with the Elasto Painters is the 40-year-old Yap.
The series of videos, which Yap captioned “First practice of the year💪#2023 #rosteam,” shows the seven-time PBA champion running drills, going through plays, and even making a couple of his patented jumpers from deep.
Yap last played in the PBA back in the 2021 Philippine Cup, where he averaged 7.9 points in 16.7 minutes over seven games. He then ran for councilor of San Juan in the 2022 national elections and took a leave of absence to focus on his campaign — a decision Rain or Shine fully supported. Yap ultimately won, prompting him to extend his hiatus from basketball.
If Yap does return, it augurs well not just for Bayan ng ROS, but the PBA, too. The Man with a Million Moves, after all, remains as one of the league’s most popular players.