James Yap ‘excited, thankful’ to face NBA ‘idols’

James Yap leads the PBA selection against the SMART All-Stars. PBA / Nuki Sabio

James Yap may currently be the face of Philippine basketball, but the two-time PBA Most Valuable Player admits that he’s thrilled to face an all-star group led by Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, and Chris Paul on Saturday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

“Siyempre, mga idol natin lahat yan eh kaya pati kami magiging fans din kahit kalaban namin sila,” he told InterAKTV.

For Yap, playing with some of the best players in the world was a dream that he thought would remain just that – a dream.

“Hindi namin talaga inexpect na makakalaro namin sila,” he said, “kaya thankful talaga kami na may ganitong chance.”

While the PBA All-Stars led by the B-MEG stalwart are expected to pose little opposition to the NBA superstars, the 6-foot-3 guard is hopeful that they’d be able to at least keep in step.

“Alam natin na malakas sila Kobe, Rose pero sana makasabay din kami sa kanila,” he said.

He almost has to pinch himself over the prospect of being on the same court with the hardwood heroes.

“Excited na din talaga ako para ditto,” he added. “Nakakatuwa kasi makakalaro talaga namin sila, mababantayan namin sa court.”

Yap hopes that Filipino fans would able to enjoy the Ultimate All-Star Weekend as well. “Sana magenjoy lahat,” he said.

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