Finally back in finals, San Mig Coffee won’t squander title shot, promises James Yap

San Mig Coffee superstar James Yap saved the best game for last, coming up big in the Mixers’ series-clinching victory over a gutsy Meralco squad in Game Four of the semifinals.

The win capped the team’s remarkable comeback after starting the tournament with a 1-3 record. The Mixers have since won 10 of their last 12 games.

For Yap, getting back to the finals is a sigh of relief.

“Masaya. Ilang conference na kaming nasa semis parati pero hindi kami makaabot sa finals,” said Yap, the Mixers’ most consistent local performer in the series after scoring in double figures in all four matches.

He finished with 19 points on Sunday to help his team get back to the finals for the first time after falling short in the semifinals in each of the first two conferences this season.

“Ngayon na nakapasok na kami sa finals ulit, hindi namin basta bibitawan yung tsansa na manalo ng championship,” he said.

“Minsan lang kasi mangyari yung ganitong pagkakataon at ang hirap makarating dito. Ngayong may pagkakataon, syempre aalagaan namin.”

San Mig Coffee is still waiting for the result of the Petron-Rain or Shine series to determine its opponent in the title round. But Yap believes that the choice of opponent hardly matters for the Mixers.

“Importante yung focus and mental preparation sa finals maski sino pa ang kalaban importante handa kami dapat,” said Yap.

Finally healthy

After struggling with health issues last conference, Yap has bounced back strong in the tournament.

“Last conference ang hirap ng pinagdaanan ko dahil sa injury,” said Yap, who sought treatment abroad prior to the tournament for his ailment.

“At least yung sacrifice ko nung nagpa-treat ako sa Italy malaking bagay talaga. Then, nung pagdating ko dito inalagaan ko yung sarili ko yung lower back ko dahil alam ko na ang mararamdaman kung babalik at nagpakundisyon ako.”

Yap displayed an array of moves against the Bolts, getting away from the tight Meralco defense to shoot 8-of-14 from the field.

“Excited ako playing healthy dahil yung mga hindi ko nagagawa noon, nagagawa ko na ngayon,” said Yap. That included a sweet stepback crossover move against Jared Dillinger in the first half that drew ooh’s and ahh’s from the crowd.

“Hindi ko alam kung paano ko nagawa yun biglang lumabas na lang,” said Yap. “Natatandaan ko lang naharangan niya ako kaya hindi ako maka-go hard to the basket kaya parang nag-change direction ako na may konting stepback.”