Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — After 12 seasons with the Purefoods franchise, veteran guard James Yap was traded to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in a blockbuster trade on Thursday afternoon.
In an interview with CNN Philippines, the two-time PBA MVP described the move as both shocking and disappointing.
“Nakakagulat and siyempre malungkot,” Yap said on his sudden move to Rain or Shine. “Halos buong career natin sa PBA, sa Purefoods ako. Siyempre, nakakalungkot.”
But despite the disappointment of having been moved from the Purefoods franchise, Yap is looking forward to playing for the Elasto Painters.
“Ganun talaga ang buhay basketball, hindi mo hawak ang ganitong bagay,” he said. “Of course I am very excited to play with Rain or Shine, dahil PBL team ko yung Rain or Shine.”
The move caught many observers by surprise as the faces of both the Rain or Shine and Star Hotshots franchise swapped places.
Yap, who was dealt in exchange for 2012 Rookie of the Year Paul, said he did not anticipate the move.
“I had no idea,” Yap admitted. “Nagulat nalang ako, tinawagan ako around 4:30 today. Sinabi sakin na na-trade ako sa Rain or Shine.”
Related: PBA: Star trades James Yap to Rain or Shine for Paul Lee
Yap thanked the San Miguel organization for the support they gave him throughout the years.
“Gusto ko magpasalamat sa lahat ng management sa San Miguel group and sa Purefoods,” he said. “Talagang inalagaan nila ako sa buong career ko, sa Purefoods, and kung anong meron ako ngayon, galing sa kanila ito.”
MOVING ON
The trade is a reunion of sorts for Yap, who played for the then-Welcoat Paintmasters in his amateur years.
“PBL days, yan yung team ko e, Rain or Shine, Welcoat pa yan before,” Yap said.
“Excited ako, and excited ko i-meet ulit at makasama yung mga owner ng Rain or Shine,” he added. “Dahil nung college ako sila rin ang nagalaga sa akin.”
With the recent departure of Coach Yeng Guiao from the Elasto Painters, Yap will be under the direction of coach Caloy Garcia.
“Kung ano yung gusto ni coach Caloy na ipapagawa sa akin, kung ano yung role naibibigay niya sa akin gagawin ko,” Yap said. “Hindi ako nagmamarunong sa coach, sinusunod ko yung coach.”
Yap will be joining a Rain or Shine team which consists of a healthy mix of veterans including Beau Belga, Chris Tiu, and Jeff Chan, as well as up-and-coming players Maverick Ahanmisi and Jericho Cruz.
According to Yap, he is eager to play alongside his new teammates.
“Well siyempre excited ako na makalaro at makasama si Jeff (Chan), ang kababayan ko, taga Negros din siya,” Yap said. “Sila Chris Tiu, Jireh Ibanez na binubugbog ako palagi pag kalaban namin ang Rain or Shine. Lahat sila excited ako.”
When asked for a word to the Rain or Shine faithful, Yap asked for their acceptance and continued support.
“Sana matanggap ako ng mga fans ng Rain or Shine,” Yap said. “Magtulungan lang, and wag kayo magsawa na suportahan ang Rain or Shine. Magkita-kita tayo next conference.”
James Yap will suit up for his new team when the PBA All-Filipino Conference tips off this November.
