BIG GAME JAMES ON KIA GAME: “PINAKAMAHIRAP NAMIN THIS CONFERENCE”
A rare scene occurred at the end of the Purefoods-Kia game as Sorento playing coach Manny Pacquiao and Hotshots ace James Yap shared a light moment on the sidelines.
Although Pacquiao did not play in the game, his presence was definitely felt on the floor as Kia gave Purefoods a scare for three quarters before fading in the endgame.
Yap shared that his short conversation with Pacquiao was just, “Nag-congratulate lang ako sa kanya and tinanong ko sa kanya bakit hindi siya naglaro. Sabi nya di daw maganda yung pakiramdam nya kaya ganun.”
But for Yap, he’s just thankful that they escaped an inspired Kia side with Pacquiao at the sidelines.
“At least naka-survive kami. At least nanalo kami. Muntik pa kami matalo,” he said. “Ine-expect na namin yung ganun na laro nila. Nali-lift niya lahat ng players so kailangan talaga handa kami. Hirap na hirap kami nung first half hanggang third, kasi lumaban talaga sila.”
And the two-time PBA MVP is happy that Purefoods was up to the challenge, as they bounced back and won in the end.
“Buti na lang, nag-step up kaming lahat. Ito yung pinakamahirap na game sa conference namin dahil lahat ng players nila excited maglaro. Tapos kalaban nila kami, nag-Grand Slam kami, so talagang nacha-challenge sila. Buti na lang nakalusot kami sa kanila,” Yap said.
He also dismissed the perceived notion that games against the two expansion teams are just a walk in the park, saying, “Actually, kung nag-relax ka sa kanila, either tatambakan ka or tatalunin ka talaga. Kailangan talaga, siyempre professional ‘to, walang relax dito.”
“Kanina naman, nakita natin na muntikan na kami talaga kasi ang ganda din ng nilalaro nila. Hindi ko inexpect na ganoon kaganda yung laro nila,” added Yap.
“Nahirapan kami, pero buti nakabalik kami.” (RL)
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