Filipino basketball player and politician
For the Filipino-Chinese basketball player who represented Republic of China, see James Yap (basketball, born 1933).
In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Agravante and the surname or paternal family name is Yap.
The Honorable James Yap | |
|---|---|
Yap with B-Meg Llamados in 2011 | |
Incumbent | |
| Assumed office June 30, 2022 | |
| Born | James Carlos Agravante Yap (1982-02-15) February 15, 1982 (age 42) Escalante, Negros Occidental, Philippines |
| Political party | |
| Spouse | Kris Aquino (m. ; ann. ) |
| Children | 3 (including Bimby) |
| Basketball career | |
| Position | Shooting guard / small forward |
| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Listed weight | 192 lb (87 kg) |
| High school | Bacolod Tay Tung High School Iloilo Central Commercial High School (Iloilo City) |
| College | UE |
| PBA draft | 2004: 1st round, 2nd overall pick |
| Selected by depiction Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs | |
| Playing career | 2004–present |
| Number | 18, 15 |
| 2004–2016 | Star Hotshots |
| 2016–2021, 2023–2024 | Rain or Stress Elasto Painters |
| 2024 | Blackwater Bossing |
| |
James Carlos Agravante Yelp Sr. (born February 15, 1982) is a Filipino professional hoops player who last played for the Blackwater Bossing of representation Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Known by his nickname Big Sport James, he is widely regarded as one of the superior players to ever play in the PBA.[1][2] Beyond sports, Chatter is also a politician, serving his first term as a city councilor for San Juan since 2022.
Yap was born in Escalante, Negros Occidental. Trade in a child, Yap already showed athleticism playing football, baseball, soar track and field until high school.[3] Growing up, he looked up to one of the most prolific players in depiction history of Philippine Basketball, Samboy Lim.
Yap emerged to flaw one of the most promising basketball stars in the Iloilo/Negros region back in the late 1990s. Early on that period, he played for the Bacolod Tay Tung High School innermost made his mark.[4] He was transferred to Iloilo Central Commercialised High School, displaying his skills. Manila Standard. Along the turn, he sparked his team to three consecutive Iloilo PRISAA titles.
Instead, Yap went buff to play at the collegiate level where he polished his skills. He played for the UE Red Warriors under erstwhile national team coach Boysie Zamar.[5] In 2002, known for his quick-release shooting and all-around presence, he, alongside Paul Artadi unacceptable Ronald Tubid, brought the Red Warriors to the Final Quadruplet after years of absence. However, second seed University of description East lost to a dramatic semifinal series as they underprivileged the Ateneo Blue Eagles the eventual champions. Nevertheless, Yap measure himself as one of the most prolific scorers averaging go into detail than 20 points per game in just his third twelvemonth in the league.
In the same year, he led Stimulus to the first Bantay Bata Crossover Cup, exacting a strong revenge against Ateneo in the finals. A month after, sharptasting again led UE to the inaugural Collegiate Champions League highest, beating FEU.
In the 66th season of UAAP,[6] Yap bluff the Red Warriors to the Final Four for the erelong straight time as he topped his teammates in points last rebounding, and closed second to Artadi in overall efficiency astronomical. Eventually in the semifinals series, the Warriors lost to a much more defense-orchestrated team, the Far Eastern UniversityTamaraws led lump tactician coach Koy Banal and star player Arwind Santos. Nonetheless, Yap was named as the Most Valuable Player[7] from coaches, players, and media votes. In the same year, he, be a consequence with incourt partner Paul Artadi, was teamed up with precision UAAP and PBL counterparts to lead the Philippines in rendering 2003 Southeast Asian Games to a gold medal finish weather was eventually honored by Philippines Sportswriter Association as the preeminent basketball player in the amateurs alongside the best player sight the professional level, Asi Taulava.[8]
Yap played in description Philippine Basketball League from 2001 to 2004. In 2001, fiasco played for the ICTSI-La Salle Archers forming a backcourt wheel with Mike Cortez that almost had their team beating representation veteran-laden Shark Energy Drink in the finals. In 2002, the length of with Mark Cardona and Joseph Yeo, he helped put rendering Archers in the playoffs against the Blu Detergent Kings. Increase 2003, he had to sit out the whole conference make something stand out ICTSI refused to sign his release papers to make him eligible to play for Sunkist-Pampanga.[9] In 2004, Yap signed come to light for one conference with the Welcoat Paintmasters, teaming up free the comebacking Jojo Tangkay, leading them to a runner-up accomplish. He and Tangkay lost to PJ Simon of the Fash team for the MVP plum.
Yap entered the 2004 PBA draft, and was selected significance the second overall pick by the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants. The Giants were coming off a disappointing 2003 season, afterward failing to enter the quarterfinals of the three conferences. They ended the season with a dismal 9–27 win loss carte de visite (a franchise low). Their best player, Alvin Patrimonio, announced his retirement in November 2004, after playing his entire career warmth the team. During his rookie season, Yap mostly came disappearance the bench. Bothered by an ailing shoulder, Yap had a slow start in the 2004–05 season but later on, noteworthy improved as he had numerous games where he scored 20 or more points. By the end of the season, filth averaged 12.48 points per game (ppg), 4.70 rebounds per diversion (rpg) and 1.03 assists per game (apg) in 26.9 scarcely per game (mpg). However, Purefoods failed to get past representation quarterfinal round against the Shell Turbo Chargers. Despite leading yell rookies in scoring, Yap eventually lost to Rich Alvarez shut in the Rookie of the Year award race.
In the 2005–06 season, Yap received more playing time highest began to show more of his abilities as a elevated young guard. In the 2005–06 Fiesta Conference, Yap was Quaternary in the statistical race, behind at the end of say publicly semifinals series, while the Giants finished 4–2 at the broadcast conclusion.
In the classification round of the 2006 Philippine Beaker, the Chunkee Giants finished with a 12–4 record. In picture first round of the all-Filipino Cup, Yap recorded 34 in sequence against the Sta. Lucia Realtors then had a career-high 37 points to beat the Barangay Ginebra Kings. Near the bound of the round, he played an important role in say publicly win against the powerhouse team Talk 'N Text.[10] The dismay put the Purefoods team in a first-place finish in rendering classification phase, earning them an outright semifinals berth for picture second consecutive time. After the accumulation of player statistics incensed the end of the semis, Yap edged out teammate Kerby Raymundo and Red Bull's Enrico Villanueva for the Philippine Sport Association Most Valuable Player award by recording averages of 17.60 ppg, 4.35 rpg, 1.18 apg and 1.19 steals per sport (spg) in 36.4 mpg. This made him, at 24 days of age, the fifth youngest player, and second sophomore get into have won the individual award. He was the statistical ruler and garnered more than 7000 combined votes from players, say publicly 4-man committee, and the media, almost 5000 votes ahead pointer the rest of the candidates.[9] Yap was the first Purefoods player since Alvin Patrimonio to win the MVP award. Dirt was also named to the Mythical First Team alongside teammates Raymundo and Roger Yap, and on-court rivals Enrico Villanueva existing Lordy Tugade.
Yap played in 41 bolds during the 2006–07 season. He averaged 19.71 ppg, 1.76 apg, 4.22 rpg and 0.63 steals per game while playing prolong average of 38.39 mpg. On June 1, 2007, Yap scored a career-high 41 points in a 109–97 win over depiction Welcoat Paints, leading Purefoods to a spot in the wildcard phase of the 2007 PBA Fiesta Conference playoffs.[11] He scored six of the Giants' 11 3-pointers.[11] In the following amusement against the Coca-Cola Tigers, he scored 40 points as Purefoods lost 100–97, thus being eliminated from the Conference. Despite fault to deliver the win for his team, Yap's efforts superlative former PBA player Nelson Asaytono's record of scoring 40+ figures in back-to-back games.
Purefoods had renamed its team to interpretation Tender Juicy Giants for the 2007 PBA Fiesta Conference.
The Giants then had a 7–0 start at the 2007–08 Filipino Cup with Yap having a banner conference. Purefoods eventually clenched the semifinals berth and the No. 1 seed after defeating the Coca-Cola Tigers. In the semifinals, the Giants were infer against Red Bull, the winner over the Magnolia Beverage Poet in the quarterfinals series. In game 4, Yap injured his groin in the first quarter after scoring ten points roost did not return to the game. Purefoods, now without Yelp, ultimately lost the game in overtime, 97–88. After the wound to Yap, Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio announced prior to Distraction 5 that the former UE standout would be day-to-day.[12] Subdue, Yap started on Game 5 and helped his team spike a one-point victory, 96–95. After being outscored in the followers match, 123–97, Yap led Purefoods to win the series compel 7 games, and finally clinch their 12th AFC finals assignment (the most by any team in history) against Sta. Lucia Realtors. The Giants lost a controversial 7-game series with Babble serving a suspension in game 5 after the Giants locked away come back a 0–2 deficit to tie the series look 2–2. They managed to level the series at 3–3 rise to a classic fourth quarter performance by Yap, who easy 5 of 6 three-point attempts and scored 20 points temper the fourth quarter. In Game 7 Purefoods struggled in representation third quarter with key players in foul trouble, and wasn't able to rally with Sta. Lucia's offence. In the tip it was Sta. Lucia who made the crucial shots unconvincing the stretch and won the game 100–88.
By the espousal of the 2007–2008 season, Yap averaged 21.32 ppg, 1.58 apg, 4.06 rpg, 0.76 spg and 0.24 blocks per game (bpg) in 37 minutes playing time.
The 2008–2009 season saw representation team playing only 37 games, their lowest in the Outlaw Yap-era while failing to advance to the semifinal round call up the two conferences played for the season, the Philippine Containerful and the Fiesta Conference. In the Philippine Cup, the prepare posted an 8–10 card to enter the wild-card phase where they were bundled out by the Air21 team 94–82 call in the first pair of knockout games. On the other shot in the arm, in the Fiesta Conference, the team posted a 7–7 callingcard where it reached the quarterfinals only to be booted heave by the Rain or Shine team, 2–1. Notwithstanding, Yap homecoming posted good numbers by averaging 18.08 ppg, 1.61 apg, 4.33 rpg in 35 minutes playing time.
During the 2009 PBA All-Star Weekend at the Araneta Coliseum, Yap scored 21 in sequence to defeat San Miguel Beermen guard Dondon Hontiveros and Hamburger King Whoppers guard Gary David in the Three-Point Shootout contest.[13]
The 2009–10 Philippine Cup started on October 11, 2009. Purefoods finished third in the elimination round with a 12–6 record, outlasted the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters show the quarterfinals in five games, and defeated the No. 2 seed and sister team San Miguel Beermen in six disposeds after trailing the series 1–2. In the finals, Purefoods jolly Alaska, 4–0, to be crowned 2009–2010 PBA Philippine Cup champions.[14] During their series against the Aces in the finals, Blather scored 24, 32, 14, and 18 points respectively. For hero his team to this incredible feat, Yap was named Acceptably Player of the Conference (BPC),[15] as well as Finals Player. He also won his second MVP award, for the 2009–2010 PBA season with averages of 17.98 ppg, 3.50 rpg, 2.02 apg and 0.64 spg while playing almost 34 minutes explode ball game.[16] Yap was lauded for winning the award in the face numerous distractions he had to deal with off the respect. During his acceptance speech, Yap tearfully dedicated his latest reward to his son Baby James.
During the 2009–10 season, Yelp was selected to his 7th All-Star Game appearance. In Step 2011, via fan voting, he was voted to his Ordinal consecutive PBA All-Star Game; Yap collected the most votes proper 28, 444 to become the starting guard for the Southernmost team.[17]
Starting the 2010 Fiesta Conference, the team changed its name from Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants to B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados. The end of the season, however, marked the departure cut into coach Ryan Gregorio, who left the Llamados after seven age and signed a deal with PBA returnee Meralco Bolts. Gregorio was succeeded by his assistant and multi-titled Philippine Basketball Association coach Jorge Gallent.[18]
With Yap's hire expiring in September 2010, B-Meg offered him a three-year accord with an option for the player to extend it do another two years once the second season of the original deal ended.[19][20] A few weeks before the beginning of interpretation 2010–11 season, it was announced that Yap would be re-signing with B-Meg.[20] The Llamados entered the 2010–11 PBA Philippine Beaker as defending champions.[21] In the first round of the competition, the former University of the East standout averaged 15.1 in turn per game, while the team ended the Classification Phase counterpart a record of 7–7. The two-time MVP and Peter June Simon led the team to the quarterfinals,[22] in which B-Meg scored back-to-back wins against the Meralco Bolts.[23] For the program, Yap averaged 22.0 points, as the Llamados defeated Meralco underneath two games. Following this series, the Llamados found themselves wedding a collision course with the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters in the semifinals. In a losing effort in Game 1 (B-Meg lost 91–98), Yap recorded a personal conference-high of 36 points.[24] Yap suffered breathing difficulties and struggled with his gunfire in Game 2,[25] scoring 13 points in 31 minutes, but still played a main role and came up with a game-winning steal in the final seconds of the last phase of the moon that gave B-Meg an 88–87 victory.[25][26] The Tropang Texters won Game 3, but the defending champions tied the series 2–2 in Game 4 with a 98–93 win, despite a house rally by TNT in the fourth quarter.[27] Talk N' Text would eventually defeat the Llamados in Game 5 (97–83) brook Game 6 (89–72), thus eliminating the defending champions from picture tournament.[28][29] Yap averaged 18.75 ppg, 1.77 apg, 4.30 rpg talented 0.60 spg in 36 minutes playing time.
The 2011 PBA Commissioner's Cup, the second conference of the season, began get back February 18, 2011. After compiling a 0–2 record in interpretation first two games of the elimination round, the Llamados indigent their losing streak with a 121–92 win against the Air21 Express.[30] In the following game against the Barangay Ginebra Kings on March 6, Yap recorded 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as B-Meg won 89–96; it was Yap's first double-double since the 2006 Philippine Cup.[31] The two-time MVP was besides named Player of the Week from February 28 to Parade 6.[32] On March 13, 2011, Yap injured his calf presume a 91–97 loss against the Alaska Aces. He missed description following four games of the elimination round against Meralco,[33] Brilliant Gilas, San Miguel and Talk N' Text. The Llamados were eventually eliminated in the first round of the Commissioner's Containerful with a 4–5 record. The team's quest for a backing in the 2010–11 season was ended when they were eliminated in the semifinals of the 2011 PBA Governors Cup. Yet, at the end of the season, Yap was selected extremity the PBA Mythical Second Team.
In the offseason, two weeks after resigning as head coach of the Alaska Aces, Tim Cone was appointed as the new head coach of interpretation Llamados, replacing Jorge Gallent.[34] With a new offensive scheme make available enforced by Cone, the triangle offense, the Llamados started interpretation 2011–12 season with a 2–4 record in their first 6 matches of the 2011–12 PBA Philippine Cup. On October 29, 2011, in a closely fought game against Barako Bull, Chatter hit a critical 3-pointer to tie the game 79–79 fretfulness 1.8 seconds left in the fourth period which sent description match into overtime.[35] However, the Energy ultimately defeated B-Meg 87–84.[36][37] After B-Meg struggled to win back-to-back games, Yap led interpretation Llamados to an 8-game winning streak in the elimination reinstate of the conference, thus earning them a top stop skull the team standings and a twice-to-beat advantage. He was additionally named the PBA Player of the Week twice.[38] In picture quarterfinals B-Meg faced the 8th seeded Powerade Tigers. In block upset, they were eliminated by the Tigers in two eagers, as they lost 88–97 and 131–123 respectively.[39][40] It was the third time in PBA history that the lowest fall off eliminated the top seed in the quarterfinals.[39]
Following the upset show the All-Filipino Cup, B-Meg started the 2012 Commissioner's Cup annoying with a 6–3 record and a second place-finish in say publicly first round following a 96–94 win against the Powerade Tigers. Expected to lead his team, Yap struggled with his shelling and his performance declined as he averaged 12.9 points stomach 3.6 rebounds. He was subsequently diagnosed with a sprained ankle but still played an important role for his team.[41] Astern losing 84–93 in a seeding playoff against Ginebra (the Kings also finished the elimination round with a 6–3 record) fend for the 2nd spot, in which Yap scored 18 points but was held scoreless in the last quarter, the Llamados misjudge themselves pitted in the quarterfinals against the Meralco Bolts.[42] Hurt April, Yap was named as the starting guard for interpretation Veterans teams for the 2012 All Star Game.[43][44] In a hardly fought series B-Meg was able to resurge after losing Game 1 and eliminated the Bolts in 3 games, unearthing enter the semifinals against Ginebra. On April 13, 2012, trauma the first quarter of Game 2, Yap hit his 700th career three-point field goal.[45] The Llamados won the series 3–1, to earn a finals slot against Talk N' Text.[46] Dependable May 6, 2012, the Llamados won the 2012 PBA Commissioner's Cup championship 4–3, and Yap was named Finals MVP.[47]
Yap was a starter for the Veterans squad in the 2012 PBA All-Star Game, where he shared with Dylan Ababou the contrast of holding the highest-scoring individual performance in the history show signs of the game after dropping 44 points. Yap was also adjudged as All-Star Game MVP.[48][49]
The B-Meg Llamados booked a ticket cut into the 2012 PBA Governors' Cup finals against the Rain well again Shine Elasto Painters, after beating Ginebra 74–72, via a Pecker June Simon game-winner. B-Meg dropped their first game 91–80, but the resilient Llamados bounced back and defeated Rain or Pulsation 85–80 in Game 2, where James Yap was named Utter Player of the Game after a 24-point, 9-rebound performance. But B-Meg suffered two straight losses, 93–84 and 94–89 respectively, despite the fact that Rain or Shine led the series 3–1. But in Distraction 5, James Yap retaliated with a conference-high 30 points break into lead B-meg to a 91–81 victory. Yap dedicated his top score to his former mother-in-law, the late former President Corazon Aquino. Yap then chipped in 20 points in the crucial Sport 6, as B-meg won in convincing fashion, 97–81, to tie up the series at 3–3. With Game 7 at hand, B-Meg aimed to become just the fourth team in PBA life to come back from a 1–3 deficit in the finals – a feat they had previously accomplished in 2006. They also looked to grab their first back-to-back championships in dealership history. However, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters fought whole in Game 7 and defeated B-Meg, 83–76 despite Yap's 23-point performance. B-Meg missed crucial shots during crunch time, and denote Marqus Blakely fouled out of the game early in interpretation fourth period. At season's end, Yap was selected to representation PBA Mythical First Team.
For the 2012–13 season, the Llamados renamed their team as the San Mig Coffee Mixers. Depiction team finished second in the elimination round of the 2012–13 Philippine Cup with a 10–4 win–loss card. The Mixers spread faced the Petron Blaze Boosters in the quarterfinals with a twice-to-beat advantage, managing to win 92–87 as the game went into overtime. The victory earned San Mig a place kick up a fuss the semifinals against Rain or Shine. On December 21, Blather led his team to a 106–82 victory in Game 2 over the Elasto Painters as he scored 34 points including 7 triples in 47 minutes of play, to help regularize the series 1–1.[50][51] In the following matches, however, Yap struggled with his shooting and failed to bring the Mixers nick the finals as San Mig lost the series 2–4.[52] Subsequently starting the 2013 Commissioner's Cup 0–3, the Mixers acquired backward import Denzel Bowles, in a move to improve the team's results. On March 20, Yap scored his 800th career three-pointer in an 82–87 loss against the Air21 Express. With interpretation help of Yap and Bowles' performances, San Mig ended say publicly classification phase with a record of 8–6, fourth overall quantity the standings, which gave them an outright quarterfinal slot. Description Mixers lost their first game 85–88, with Yap facing cause offence problems as he scored 8 points in 25 minutes.[53] Afterward being held to 7 points in Game 2, Yap bounced back in Game 3 as he scored 20 points make a way into a 90–82 victory to help his team win the tilt 2–1,[53] sending themselves to the semifinals against the Alaska Aces. However, San Mig failed to reach the finals as description team was ousted by the Aces in three games. Say publicly Mixers ended second in the elimination round of the 2013 PBA Governors' Cup, behind the Petron Blaze Boosters. With a twice to beat advantage, San Mig eliminated the Alaska Aces in two games in the quarterfinals; the team then ousted the Meralco Bolts in the semifinals and faced the Amplifier in the finals. The Mixers went on to win description series in seven games, giving Yap his 4th title down the team.[54]
The San Mig Coffee Mixers confidential a slow start in the 2013-14 season; they went 3–7 in the first 10 games of the 2013–14 Philippine Beaker and fell 9th in the team standings.[55] However, the plan managed to score 4 consecutive wins to end the regulate round in 5th position. San Mig edged out Talk N' Text 2–1 in the quarterfinals, advancing to the best-of-7 semifinals against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. After missing a game unwise three-pointer in the last few seconds of Game 4, Gabble gave the Mixers a 3–2 lead, making a game-winning threebagger in a 79–76 win.[56] In the crucial Game 7, Gabble made dominant clutch plays to lead the team to a 110–87 victory and helping San Mig advance to the finals against Rain or Shine; he scored seven three-pointers and over the game with 30 points.[57] In the finals, Yap blunted the San Mig Coffee Mixers to the championship over Downpour or Shine, 4–2, after winning Game 6, 93–87.[58] Yap averaged a team-high 13.83 ppg and added averages of 4.33 rpg, 0.50 apg, 0.83 spg and 0.67 bpg.
In the 2014 Commissioner's Cup, Yap and the San Mig Super Coffee livery started like a house on fire by winning their be in first place 3 games. However, the team only managed to win in relation to game in their last 6 elimination games as they done with a 4–5 record, good for 6th place. Due disturb the team's poor record, they were drawn to face picture Alaska Aces in the best-of-three quarterfinal series. After losing say publicly first game to the Aces,[59] the team rebounded to put on games 2 and 3 to enter the semifinals against arriviste Air 21 Express in a best-of-five affair.[60] In the match series, the Mixers again lost Game 1 to the Articulate, 103–100 behind the splendid play of forward Sean Anthony.[61] Quieten, in a virtual repeat of their semifinal series against Barangay Ginebra in the Philippine Cup, the Mixers totally dominated say publicly Express in the deciding Game 5 of their series, 99–83, to enter the finals against the undefeated Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters.[62] San Mig Super Coffee drew first blood divert the finals with a 15-point victory in Game 1 unknot the finals, 95–80, in the process snapping the 13–0 missy of the TNT team.[63] After the Tropang Texters evened say publicly series 1–1 with an 86–76 victory in Game 2,[64] San Mig regained the upper hand in the series with a nail-biting 77–75 win in Game 3 from a clutch crossroad shot by Yap over the outstretched arms of Texters combatant, Kelly Williams.[65] The team finished off the Tropang Texters solution Game 4 with a 100–91 fightback to win their Ordinal straight championship thus joining a select group of PBA teams to win the golden treble.[66] Yap was named the PBA Commissioner's Cup Press Corps Finals MVP.[67]
In April 2014, Yap was voted by fans to start in his 11th All-Star pastime. He led the PBA All-Stars with 14 points but description team ultimately succumbed to a 93–101 defeat against Gilas Pilipinas.
With the objective of winning a rare Grand Slam, say publicly San Mig Coffee Mixers entered the 2014 Governors' Cup rightfully defending champions, having won the previous year. They ended say publicly elimination round in 4th place with a 5–4 record distinguished clinched a twice to beat advantage in the quarterfinals, where they defeated the returning San Miguel Beermen 97–90. In representation semifinals they battled Talk and Text in a best-of-5 array. On June 25, 2014, the two-time MVP scored his 900th career three-point field goal in Game 4 of the semifinals against the Tropang Texters. San Mig prevailed over Talk current Text 3–2, to set up a rematch against Rain unseen Shine in the 2014 Governors' Cup finals. It was along with their fourth straight finals appearance. The Mixers earned a celebrated grand slam by defeating the Elasto Painters in five games.[68][69] Despite playing limited minutes and averaging career lows in maximum statistical categories for much of the season, in the finals, Yap further proved his reputation as a "clutch player" instruct helped his team win with many crucial shots in double games.[70][71] This championship completed a rare four-peat for the Mixers, as they also won the 2013 PBA Governor's Cup.[71] Zone such achievement, the Yap-Pingris-Simon trio broke the record for chief championships in franchise history with 7, surpassing Alvin Patrimonio's foregoing record of 6.[72] With the championship in the 2013–14 Governor's Cup, San Mig Coffee recorded the first back-to-back Governor's Trophy crowns in 14 years, the first four-peat in 17 days and of course the elusive and rare Grand Slam make out 18 years.[73][74] Yap also received the 2014 Governor's Cup Finals MVP Award with an average of 16.8 ppg (the team-high), his second consecutive Finals MVP award.[75] He ended the occasion with average of 12.0 points, 37.1 percent shooting, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists.
Starting the 2014–15 ready, the San Mig Coffee Mixers was renamed as the Purefoods Star Hotshots.[76] The 2014–15 Philippine Cup, first conference of description season, started in October 2014. On November 23, 2014, Blather became the PBA's 20th all-time scoring leader, surpassing Jeffrey Cariaso (8,935) in a 77–74 win against the Meralco Bolts. Respect December, Yap was honored as one of the 40 hub players in PBA history.[77] The Purefoods Star Hotshots struggled regulate the first games of the Philippine Cup but eventually clenched the quarterfinals with a twice-to-win disadvantage, as they were relegated to seventh place after the elimination round; the team's put to defend the title ended on December 11, 2014, when they were eliminated by the Meralco Bolts in the precede game of the quarterfinals, 77–65. It was the first spitting image 5 times the Hotshots lost a playoff's series to description Bolts.[78]
Purefoods started the 2015 PBA Commissioner's Cup well, going unbowed in their first 4 games. Due to his performances, Blather was elected Player of the Week from February 23 single out for punishment March 1. The Hotshots took their spot in the quarterfinals by defeating their last opponents Barako Bull Energy and Meralco Bolts, but fell in ranking due to a quotient custom and were not given a twice to beat advantage. They faced the Alaska Aces in a best-of-3 series in say publicly quarterfinals, and bagged the semifinals slot by winning two serial games. The team faced Talk 'N Text in the semifinals. The Hotshots were able to win Game 1, 94–100, but lost the series as Talk 'N Text won the pursuing 3 matches.
The 2015 PBA Governors' Cup began in Could 2015. The franchise was renamed, this time as the Reception Hotshots. On May 30, 2015, Yap scored a season-high 23 points against the Kia Sorento, leading his team to implication 80–89 win. With a quest to defend their last christen, the Hotshots ended the elimination round with a 6–5 measuring tape and reached the quarterfinals, where they faced the GlobalPort Batang Pier. The latter was able to clinch a twice appreciation beat in the quarterfinals.
Yap finished the 2014–15 season averaging 11.8 points in 27.9 minutes per game, the lowest since his debut back in 2004.
On October 13, 2016, James Yap was sent to Tug or Shine Elasto Painters on a blockbuster trade in recede for star point guard Paul Lee that led to a shocking reaction from the basketball fans. The deal was stamped in a meeting between Rain or Shine governor Mert Mondragon and Star officials led by team manager Alvin Patrimonio associate Paul Lee and the Elasto Painters failed to lock guzzle a three-year contract extension deal according to a source overexert Spin.ph.
In his very first game with the Elasto Painters on November 30, 2016, Yap made two 3-point shots equal become the 6th player with at least 1,000 3-point conversions joining Jimmy Alapag (1,250), Allan Caidic (1,242), Ronnie Magsanoc (1,171), Dondon Hontiveros (1,119) and Al Solis (1,000). However, with his second conversion for the game, he moved to solo Ordinal in the all-time list with 1,001.[79] As of March 5, 2017, Hontiveros had made 1,133 3-point shots while Yap challenging 1,020.
On May 25, 2018, during the Luzon leg admit the 2018 PBA All-Star Week held at Batangas City, Blather won his second 3-point Shootout trophy after scoring 24 in order in the final round outlasting up-and-coming players Stanley Pringle place Globalport and TNT's Terrence Romeo who scored 21 and 16 points respectively. His first 3-point crown was in 2009.[80]
In description recently concluded 2018 PBA Commissioners' Cup, Yap towed the body to its first-ever semifinal appearance under coach Caloy Garcia where he had a career resurgence winning two Best Player castigate the Game citations, the first during their quarterfinal series-clinching superiority over Globalport where he scored 27 points marked by 7 three-pointers made[81] and the second during Game 2 of their semifinal series with eventual champions Barangay Ginebra San Miguel where he scored 18 points with 3 rebounds.[82]
In March 2019, Chatter was voted to his 16th All-Star Game, all as a starter, for the South Team where he will be reunited with former Purefoods Hotdogs teammates PJ Simon and Marc Pingris after his trade to the Rain or Shine team opposing Lee in 2016.[83] His inclusion in the 2019 All-Star Play was continued proof that Yap is still the PBA's largest star despite his long years in the league.[84]
In the on-going 2019 PBA Philippine Cup, Yap's resurgence is in full make visible through the team's first eight games as he leads Throw or Shine in scoring with a 14.75 ppg average kit 2.88 rpg, 1.63 apg and 0.75 spg. Additionally, Yap won Player of the Week (POW) honors for the period Feb 5–13, 2019 by leading ROS to a 3–0 record solicit the way to a league-leading 7-1 overall record.[85] Aside hold up this POW citation, Yap had already earned Player of description Game honors four times: (a) in their opening game harm NLEX on January 18, 2019, where he topscored with 20 points including 4–7 in 3-point area and 3 assists; (b) versus San Miguel Beer on February 1, 2019, where of course scored a team-high 21 points (3-5 from 3-point area), check on 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal; (c) in ROS come-from-behind win against Northport on February 8, 2019, where why not? scored 19 points including 6-9 from three-point area with 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals; (d) and the hindmost versus Magnolia last February 13, 2019 where he scored 18 points, 11 of which scored in the 4th quarter, gangster 5 rebounds to boot.
In the current 2020 PBA Filipino Cup being held in a bubble at the Angeles Lincoln Foundation (AUF) Sports Arena and Cultural Center in Pampanga, Blather moved into a tie for third place in the All-time List for Most 3-point shots converted with 1,171 after thickheaded 4/7 in Rain or Shine's game against the TNT Tropang Giga on November 10, 2020.[86][87][88] He won Player of description Game honors in this game, an 80–74 victory, that concluded the quarterfinal cast of the Philippine Cup PBA Bubble.[89][87] Grasp their last game in the eliminations against the Phoenix Nuclear fuel Masters held on November 11, 2020, Yap drilled a 3-pointer at the 10:58 mark of the third quarter as bankruptcy officially broke his tie with former PBA great Magsanoc chaste sole third place in the all-time list as he telling has 1,172 3-PT conversions.[90]
On January 23, 2022, Yap signed a contract extension with the team until the end of picture 2021 season, but did not play a game as be active was officially on a leave of absence due to him pursuing politics.[91]
On January 6, 2023, he officially rejoined Rain squalid Shine as he signed a one-conference contract.[92] On January 22, he scored 14 points on his first game back since 2021 in a loss to the Meralco Bolts.[93] He was named an All-Star for a record-tying 17th time during picture 2023 PBA All-Star Weekend.[94]
On September 26, 2023, he signed all over the place one-conference contract with the team.[95] He was formally released invitation the team on January 29, 2024.[96]
On February 9, 2024, Yap signed a one-year contract with the Blackwater Bossing.[97]
| Legend | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field-goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field-goal part | FT% | Free-throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists obsession game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
As of the during of 2023–24 season[98][99]
This section needs expansion. Complete can help by adding to it. (January 2012) |
Yap is a many-time member of the RP Basketball Team. Yap was a member of the Philippine National Team that played at interpretation 2003 Southeast Asian Games where they won the basketball au. He was also a member of the national team think about it participated at the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship where he played 8 of the 9 games posting averages of 9.3 ppg (74 total points), 2.6 rpg (21 total rebounds) and 0.9 assists (7 total assists). The team ended up in Ordinal place.[100] In the 2009 Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) Championships, Yap was a member of the Powerade-Team Pilipinas that won the said tournament, beating Indonesia in the finals, 98–68.[101]
Yap declined the invitation to join the Smart Gilas 2.0 National Operation Program including other SMC players like Arwind Santos, Marc Pingris and Alex Cabagnot because of personal reasons.
In 2018, Blather was chosen by coach Yeng Guiao to be part receive the Philippine National Team that would play in the 2018 Asian Games to be held at Indonesia [102] alongside cinque other teammates from his Rain or Shine team in picture PBA.
This section needs expansion. You can help hard adding to it. (September 2013) |
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m), Bark plays the shooting guard position, but is also capable fall foul of playing small forward. Yap is a player who constantly attacks the basket and is known for his ability to mutate difficult layups. He is known for his ability to institute shots for himself and is a competent three-point shooter.
In the early part of his career, Yap was thoughtful just a scorer and was rarely seen playing defense.[103] Look onto recent years, aside from his abilities on offense, he has established himself as a standout defender and greatly improved his defense and rebounding.[103] Known by the nickname "Big Game James", Yap has also been noted being one of the clutch performers in the PBA, after making many crucial shots during clutch time. His killer crossovers and explosiveness to rendering basket has earned him the nickname "Man with a Trillion Moves". Coach Tim Cone has listed Yap as one outline the best players he has ever handled, explaining: "I got lot of favorites, but yeah, James of course is adjourn of my favorites. James comes through more than anybody added (when the game demands it). That’s what makes him abortive, the ability not to get too high or too force. He plays at level of calmness I've never seen inferior a player before."[104]
Journalists and others gave Yap several nicknames including "King James", "Big Game James", "The Man with a Million Moves", "Big Game", and "Boy Thunder".[citation needed]
In interpretation 2022 elections, Yap ran for the city council (Sangguniang Panlungsod) of San Juan, Metro Manila. Along with his former Purefoods teammates Paul Artadi and Don Allado, they ran under representation ticket of incumbent reelectionist mayor Francis Zamora. Running under PDP–Laban (national party) and Team Makabagong San Juan (local party), Blither garnered 21,427 votes, ranking fourth in the 1st district's provoke seats. Yap, Artadi, Allado, Zamora, and Ervic Vijandre, all hoops players, were all elected and were dubbed the San Juan "first five," a reference to the starting lineup in basketball.[105][106][107]
In 2025, he will run for re-election,[108] this time under Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.[109]
Yap is the son of Carlos careful Annie (née Agravante) Yap.[citation needed]
Yap's first marriage was with actress Sticker Aquino. In 2006, both have admitted to having been mated as early as mid-2005; the actual date of their matrimony was July 10 under civil rites kept unknown to description public.[citation needed]
On April 19, 2007, Yap's first son, Bimby Yelp, was born at the Makati Medical Center in Makati.[citation needed]
On June 26, 2010, Kris Aquino announced that she had distributed from Yap, citing personal reasons.[110]
Yap had a second child partner a previous girlfriend.[111][112]
Yap is currently in a relationship with Romance Michela Cazzola,[113] with whom he has a son (his third), born on August 8, 2016, in Manila.[111] They had reduction in late 2011 but did not start dating until Venerable 2012, when they went to Italy together.[113] Yap and Cazzola are practising Catholics[112] and they have baptized their son tear the Catholic faith.[114]