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| Ahead of a must-win showdown with Kia, Purefoods manager Alvin Patrimonio believes James Yap can still put up a big scoring act at 33. Nuki Sabio/PBA (file photo) |
PARAÑAQUE—From a team which just won a PBA grand slam last year, the Star Hotshots are now facing early elimination in the PBA Governors' Cup.
Also, the Purefoods franchise's superstar, James Yap, has seen his playing time and apparently his averages dwindle, making many fans wonder if the 33-year-old scorer is now nearing the twilight of his career.
However, Star's team manager Alvin Patrimonio was quick to clarify that Yap still has much gas left in his tank and that the club's slump is just a case of Lady Luck not smiling.
Speaking to Dugout Philippines, "The Captain" said, "Hindi pa naman [nagiging factor ang age kay James]. Siguro na-timingan lang na four consecutive losses [kami]. Kaya pa naman niya."
Up next for Star, however, is a surprisingly surging Kia squad in a Saturday night affair in Angeles, and Patrimonio admitted Kia's seven-foot import Hamady N'Diaye poses a threat in the paint.
"Ang advantage [ng Kia] eh malaki ang import," Patrimonio said.
But he hopes that longtime import Marqus Blakely will get the better of N'Diaye.
"Si Marqus naman, alam na yung game," Patrimonio continued.
He also hopes that he will see the Hotshots squad that won the grand slam last year again come the Kia game.
"Ang advantage [ng Kia] eh malaki ang import," Patrimonio said.
But he hopes that longtime import Marqus Blakely will get the better of N'Diaye.
"Si Marqus naman, alam na yung game," Patrimonio continued.
He also hopes that he will see the Hotshots squad that won the grand slam last year again come the Kia game.
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