THE temporary suspension of play in the PBA Philippine Cup will work to some teams’ favor, especially those with players nursing injuries.
The likes of Phoenix Super LPG’s Matthew Wright, NorthPort’s Sean Anthony and Magnolia’s Paul Lee lead the list, but the player most eagerly awaited to return to action is Rain or Shine’s James Yap.
Unlike his fellow A-listers, who suffered various injuries while seeing action in the tournament, the two-time MVP has yet to see any court time after having undergone minor surgery on his knee during the off-season.
After the PBA suspended play last Aug. 4, with action expected to resume later this month, Rain or Shine coach Chris Gavina believes Yap now has more time to get himself back into game-shape.
“From the last time we spoke before the break, he told me he’s progressing with regards to strength and balance,” Gavina said.”But we will have to have him go through several tests before we can clear him for full contact practice.”
Yap averaged 7.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in last year’s Philippine Cup bubble and, at 39 should still be a major contributor for the Elasto Painters, whose solid defense has often masked a struggling offense.
Gavina said Yap is eager to plunge back into action and help his team, which currently totes a fifth-running 4-2 slate.
“James Yap has been diligently working double-time to try to get himself physically and mentally prepared to thrust himself back into game mode,” said Gavina.
“But, like I’ve said before, his timeline is totally based on his mindset. We want him back a hundred percent mentally and physically,” added Gavina.
The E-Painters are also waiting on sophomore Vince Tolentino and rookie Anton Asistio, who are recovering from tweaked ankles.
Gavina’s main concern now is how his team would be able to regain the rhythm they lost in the unwelcome break.
“The positive effect of this break is it allows our players who were nursing injuries to get back to full health, but losing game rhythm is no easy thing to recover from once we are allowed to practice again,” said Gavina.”Everyone will really have to be committed to how they can keep themselves in peak condition during this lockdown.”
The good news there is that, once its request to resume play in Pampanga is granted, the PBA would give the teams a full week of practices.
