By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
One of the best players to ever set foot on the PBA hardwood is back and is ready for probably his last dance.
James Yap, the league’s former two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP), just inked a fresh contract with the Rain or Shine Elastopainters last January 6, 2023.
The storied franchise then announced on its social media accounts that the 16-time PBA All-Star will be playing for them in the upcoming PBA Governor’s Cup.
Rain or Shine specified that they offered a one-year contract to Yap but the superstar chose a shorter term and signed a one-conference deal.
Yap was absent during Rain or Shine’s one full season campaign last 2022 after being elected as councilor of San Juan City.
After Yap assumed office last May, the basketball star now turned politician promised to fulfill his role to the Elastopainters despite his busy schedule.
Yap is already joining Rain or Shine’s team practice sessions and is also participating in the shoot-around drills together with the young guns.
Before taking a break in the PBA, Yap was already a league champion seven times with Purefoods, B-Meg, and the San-Mig Coffee Mixers.
Yap will have the chance to raise his eighth championship banner if he manages to spearhead the Yeng Guiao-led squad together with Beau Belga, Gabe Norwood, and Rey Nambatac.
The savvy shooting guard will also serve as the leader and locker room mentor for upcoming young stars Mike Nieto, Gian Mamuyac, and Anton Asistio.
