Yap finalizing return to PH
In an effort to regain his deadly form in preparation for the resumption of PBA workouts, Rain or Shine superstar James Yap has been doing a lot of shooting practice in Milano Marittima, Italy.
“May playground dito sa tabi mismo ng bahay,” Yap told Manila Bulletin in a telephone interview Friday.
“A few days ago nag-open yung court, so wala naman din naglalaro, kaya nag-shooting ako. Ang tagal ko na din talaga hindi nakapag-shooting, kaya excited na ako makalaro.”
The PBA eyes its return this month after the government, through the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases, approved the return to practice session of both basketball and football.
The restart will be under strict health protocols by the Games and Amusement Board.
Since arriving in early June with partner Michela and their kids Michael James and Francesca Michelle in Italy, Yap has regularly worked out with a 40-minute jog in a forest trail near their place.
“Ang dami ko nagagawa dito kung pakundisyon ang pag-uusapan. Gaya nga nito nakakapag-shooting na ako. Tapos nakakapag-enjoy pa ako spending time sa mga bata and with Mic,” he said.
The 6-foot-2 Yap said he is still finalizing details of his return and hopes to return before the resumption of practice session of teams, which according to Marcial would only be limited to four players per one hour with a few coaches to help them while in the gym.
“Basta maayos ko lahat yung sa flight ko, balik ako agad ng Pilipinas. Ito naman naging paalam ko sa management, especially to boss Raymund Yu and Terry Que na very thankful ako na napayagan ako para makasama, maihatid family ko dito,” said Yap.
The PBA only had its opening last March 8 before games and practice sessions were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.