Sep 14, 2020

Yap on long PBA break: 'Ka-kalawangin ka rin'

THE PBA break somehow allowed two-time MVP James Yap to fully recover from a nagging groin injury that kept him in and out of Rain or Shine's roster last season.

But not entirely this long.

While the season rest was a welcome one for players who are recovering from injuries like him, Yap said the extended respite also have a huge effect on them, condition-wise.

"Medyo masyado lang matagal, kaya kakalawangin ka rin," said Yap, who just returned from a four month stay in Italy with his family.

"Hahanapin mo pa rin yung naglalaro ka. Ilang months na e, siyempre limited din yung workouts mo, hindi nawo-workout lahat ng mga na-injured sa iyo before. Kumbaga humihina rin yun, e."

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Yap admitted he's already in good physical shape and ready to play again when the Philippine Cup officially kicked off last March 8.

But then the COVID-19 pandemic came and the league had to suspend its operation indefinitely.

At his age, Yap initially thought the break would be to his advantage.

Unfortunately, he didn't expect the disruption would be extended to as long as six months now and counting.

"Yung pandemic sana one month lang kasi advantage sa akin yun para nakapag-pahinga yung katawan ko," said the pride of Escalante, Negros Occidental. "Ito ilang months na, for me hindi maganda sa tingin ko, sa basa ng katawan ko. Kailangan mo kasing palakakasin din lahat ng parts ng katawan mo."

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Yap still has to rejoin Rain or Shine in its daily workouts as he still in the process of completing his quarantine procedure, a mandatory protocol by the PBA for players who travelled back home from abroad.

But he already told the team's trainer and coaching staff not to rush him back from playing.

"Kailangan gradual lang ako, hindi puwedeng sabak agad kasi masyadong matagal nga yung break," said the Rain or Shine star. (RG)