Amazing Facts About James Yap-Purefoods' 12 Years History
I have a feeling that Star was not planning keep James Yap until he retires but I was shocked that it happened abruptly. So, here are facts to remember in his stay with the Purefoods franchise.
He is a two times MVP
He was the Most Valuable Player in 2006 and 2010. In 2006, he contributed 17.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 34.3% 3FG and helped his team win the 2006 Philippine Cup. In 2010, he averaged 18.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 39.6% FG and helped his team win the 2010 Philippine Cup.
He won seven championships with the franchise
In 30 conferences with Purefoods, he helped them win seven championships, three Philippine Cup, two Commissioner's Cup and two Governors' Cup.
He is a four times Finals MVP
This is to emphasize the contribution of James Yap to the championships that they accumulated in his era.
He is the only MVP of the Purefoods franchise besides Alvin Patrimonio
In 28 years, only two players from the franchise has managed to claim an MVP plum. That basically shows how James stacks up against the other greats of the franchise. There is no way you can put him below the top 2 when you ranked the best Purefoods players ever.
He was the second man to do back-to-back 39+ points output
In the 2007 PBA Fiesta Cup, James cemented himself as one of the best scorer ever when he posted 41 and 40 points in back to back games. The first one was against Welcoat and they needed that to reached the Wildcard phase. Unfortunately, his 40 points was for nothing because they succumbed to Coca-Cola Tigers.
James once kicked an import in an altercation
He is not the calmest and most gentle player that you thought him to be. This happened in 2008 in Antipolo.
James Yap downturn started under Coach Tim Cone
Yap's scoring production and efficiency decreased by two points in the first season of Coach Tim. He never recovered and that downtrend continued in four seasons under coach Tim and even in this season. Maybe it was just a coincidence.
James Yap and Peter June Simon are the longest tenured Hotshot's before the trade
James Yap was drafted by the Purefoods franchised and together with PJ Simon, they have been carrying this franchise for 12 seasons. You try to look around the league and you will only point out a handful of players who is playing for a team that long.
He was called the Face of the PBA
Like him or not but the majority of the PBA fans in the past decade see him as the face of the PBA. In short, the #1 player in grabbing fans' attention. So, I am hoping you will agree when I say that James put a lot of Millions to the bank accounts of the Purefoods corporation.
He never missed an All-Star Game
Yes, he was part of every All-Star game in his PBA career.
