James Yap throws full support on new coach Jason Webb

MANILA, Philippines -- A refreshed James Yap said he and the rest of the Star Hotshots are throwing their full support on new coach Jason Webb as the Purefoods franchise tries to move on from a title-less campaign last season.

Arriving a few days ago from a vacation overseas, Yap and the rest the Star players had their individual talk with Webb on Friday at the Ronac gym to try to plot their move for the 41st season.

“Okay naman, nag-meeting lang kami with coach Jason kung ano ang gagawin. Maga-adjust lang kami sa kanya since di pa namin alam ano ang sistema niya,” Yap confided to Philstar.com, shortly after his talk with Webb on Friday.

The 6-foot-2 Yap admitted the memory of last season’s failed campaign is still fresh in his mind.

But being a veteran, he’s decided not to focus on that at all.

“Hindi pa naman mawawala yun (memory of last season). Nandun pa rin yung gigil dahil tatlo nga yung championship na nawala sa amin,” shared the former University of the East stalwart.

“Pero ngayon, ang importante eh gagawin namin yung sistema ni coach, importante lang pag-aralan namin siya ng mabuti,” added the two-time league MVP.

Webb was recently named the new coach of Star following the transfer of Tim Cone to Barangay Ginebra.

The 57-year-old Cone steered Star to five championships during his four seasons with the franchise, including the grand slam in the 2014 season.

The 33-year-old Yap believes the change from triangle offense, a system employed by erstwhile coach Tim Cone will soon be replaced by Webb’s own style of offense.

And should Webb make him the key offensive player once more, something he had to abandon given the “triangle’s” equal opportunity approach, Yap stressed his readiness to take the challenge.

“Yun (take-charge) kasi nawala sa akin nung nandun si coach Tim. Pero dito kay coach, tingin ko baka mawala na yung triangle,” explained the pride of Escalante, Negros Occidental.

“Eh ako naman, kung ano ang sistema pinaga-aralan ko talaga siya. Maga-adjust lang talaga kami and sana ma-master namin siya,” he added.

Yap averaged 11.7 points and 2.8 rebounds this past season, the lowest in his distinguished 11-year career with the Purefoods franchise.