Yap admits Star still adjusting to new system

MANILA, Philippines -- Over a month since beginning its preseason preparation, Star veteran wingman James Yap said everybody remains in 'adjustment mode' under rookie coach Jason Webb.

Unlike the past four seasons with Tim Cone where their training centered a lot on the triangle offense, this time, the 6-foot-2 Yap said they have zeroed in on pushing the basketball at every given opportunity.

"Naga-adjust pa rin kami lahat kay coach J-Webb kaya lahat kami focused talaga sa practice," Yap said, shortly after Star squeaked past NLEX, 75-73 in their tuneup match on Tuesday at Ronac gym behind Rafi Reavis' game-winning tip-in at the buzzer.

Yap admitted that the system change from triangle offense to run-and-gun required him to go back to his 'take-charge' mentality.

But the two-time league MVP said the move isn't  easy since the discipline he acquired from the 'triangle' has stuck with him for the last four seasons under Cone.

"Parang automatic kasi yung triangle. Di naman siya totally mawawala agad though ngayon, may sariling sistema si coach kaya kapag open, tira, kapag fast break, takbo," he added.

Yap however, isn't complaining with the change as he vowed to support Webb, who will make his keenly-awaited coaching debut with the Star on opening night (Oct. 18) versus Rain or Shine.

"Basta ako naman, kahit sinong coach ang ilagay sa team, re-respetuhin ko," stressed the 33-year-old Yap.

"Kailangan tiwala ka at gawin lang yung pinapagawa ni coach," he said.

Star is eyeing a solid title run once more this coming season, having boosted its stock in the offseason by nabbing rookie big man Norbert Torres from the draft and adding incoming sophomore forwards Jake Pascual and Ronald Pascual in a multi-team trade more than a week ago.