James Yap: It’s all about enjoying the game

MANILA, Philippines -Without a doubt, basketball is the Filipino man’s sport. From posh gated communities to the most poverty-stricken areas, makeshift basketball courts line the streets, and day or night and in any kind of weather, kids and grown men alike play to their hearts’ content. They turn their makeshift courts into jampacked arenas, dreaming of the day they could turn this dream into reality.

James Yap was once just like them. Now known as one of the most famous faces of Philippine basketball, what most people don’t know is the grit, determination, and perseverance it took James to reach the pinnacle of where he is now.

James Yap recalls the first time he ever held a basketball, “I was in grade one, around seven years old, when I first played basketball.”

Yap, a native of Escalante City, Negros Occidental, says he didn’t give much thought to playing basketball professionally, “I just enjoyed playing the game and never really thought of being part of the PBA.” 

In fact, basketball was only one of the many sports the young athlete engaged in; he was active in baseball, volleyball, and even football.

With the guidance of his basketball-loving family, especially his uncle, he flourished into a sought-after talent during his high school years, “It was only when the opportunities started knocking, like scholarships from schools, that I realized that basketball could be a career.”

The opportunities led him to Bacolod Tay Tung High School and the Iloilo Central Commercial High School, where he sparked his team to three consecutive Iloilo Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISSA) titles.

Yap’s successful high school career led him to be recruited by the University of the East Red Warriors in the UAAP. He led the Warriors to two straight finals appearance, a feat the famed University hadn’t experienced in a long time. It was during this period that he received his first Most Valuable Player award in 2003.

He continued to hone his basketball skills by joining the now defunct Philippine Basketball League, from 2001 to 2004, before being drafted second overall by the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants in the Philippine Basketball Association.

He transitioned easily from the collegiate ranks to the pros and easily became one of his team’s offensive focal points. “Big Game James” soon dominated the stats, bringing home the coveted Most Valuable Player Awards not just once, but twice, first during the 2005-2006 season and yet again in 2009-2010.

He was also given the opportunity to play for the country as a member of the RP National Basketball Team. As a member of the Philippine Team, Yap helped steer the national team to win gold in the 2003 Southeast Asian Games and earn the 8th spot in the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship.

He reaps continuous success because he is never satisfied with where he is right now, “Basketball is non-stop learning. I’m the type of player who does not relax just because there are many players. Whatever you achieve — that’s just a bonus. You should never stop working hard to stay at the top of your game.”

Saying Yap’s achievements out loud is a mouthful.

Considering the many successes in his career, most people would think that Yap would be aloof, and hard to speak to. But in truth, Yap’s demeanor off court is just as calm and collected as he is on it.

Those close to him often describe him as quiet, easygoing, dedicated, and most of all, humble, a trait usually not present in athletes of his stature.

The superstar doesn’t have the usual “athlete” swagger but instead engages himself fully with the people around him, especially his avid supporters. He takes time out of his busy schedule to give back to those who have cheered for him from the time he started in the UAAP until today. His fans have nothing but nice things to say about their idol.

The popular athlete is also a discreet philanthropist, quietly giving back through numerous charitable causes.

While most athletes are also known for partying as intensely as their game, Yap chooses to spend his free days at home, resting, or at the gym, strengthening his body to achieve longevity in his career “Basketball is a contact sport, which is why you really have to take care of your body,” he says.

And here’s something he wishes to impart to the young set of basketball stars looking up to him, “There is nothing wrong with dreaming, as long as you love what you do. To reach your goals, you have to be dedicated, to practice, and of course, pray. Don’t lose hope just because you don’t pass the try-outs. Don’t be discouraged, just keep trying.”

His passion is truly what sets him apart from others in a highly competitive league. And now, he has teamed up with Toby’s Sports, the country’s number one sports retailer for the past 35 years.

In a rather bold campaign, Yap, together with Toby’s Sports, highlighted the importance of passion as the main component of excellence and greatness, “For you to achieve anything, you should be passionate in what you do. You should be determined,” he asserts.

He admits that his partnership with the famous sports retail chain is a dream come true and he wishes Toby’s Sports’ impactful It Starts Here campaign will also empower others to make their dreams come true as well. “Toby’s is where everything starts for me, regardless of the sport I get into,” he says, like a true sports enthusiast.