TIME TO RECHARGE FOR THE PLAYOFF GRIND
At 8-3, Purefoods braces for a long layoff as they play wait and see the rest of the teams slug it out for berths in the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.
And for James Yap, this is the perfect time to recharge their bodies for the tough grind ahead.
“Ito yung chance namin na makapagpahinga, kumbaga recovery. Sa Monday, balik-practice naman kami eh so focus lang. Ngayong weekend, pahinga lang talaga, kalimutan ang basketball. Sa Monday, practice na ulit,” he said.
In his best form since coming off of the All-Star break, Yap says Denzel Bowles has played a big part in their recent success, as rhe Hotshots ended the eliminations on a four-game winning run.
“Sa tingin ko, ito ang pinakamaganda naming takbo with Denzel. Ngayon, healthy na sya, pumayat, nag-mature at mas kundisyon,” said Yap.
The two-time MVP continued his praise for their reinforcement, saying, “Sana ipagpatuloy nya. Si Denzel naman kasi, on fire sya for two games na. Pag di nya nakukuha yung rhythm nya, marunong din sya pumasa. Di sya tulad ng ibang import na pinipilit lagi.”
Yap also noted that the three years of being away from the Purefoods franchise doesn’t seem to bother Bowles anymore.
“Sa triangle kasi, pag nakasubok ka, kahit nangangapa ka, review na lang at mare-recall mo rin agad yung options,” he said.
As Purefoods sits idle at the top, the Hotshots might also have a chance to finish at the top two, a feat they have not achieved since the 2013 Governors’ Cup. This depends on how Talk ‘N Text and Rain or Shine fare in their final outing.
But for Yap and company, they just want to be ready.
“Maganda lang sa team ngayon, nakafocus kami lahat. Di namin ine-aim ang number one, gitna lang ok na kami eh. Bonus na lang kung mag-number one o two kami. Yung defense pa rin talaga ang importante,” he said.
“Yung pagkalaglag namin last conference kumbaga, nagising ulit kami. Di pwedeng magrelax. Ngayon, focus talaga kami.” (RL)
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