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| James Yap announced his move to Blackwater by also bidding goodbye to jersey number 18. PBA Images (file photo) |
MANILA--James Yap officially moved to Blackwater ahead of the PBA Philippine Cup as confirmed by the former league MVP himself on Thursday.
Team owner Dioceldo Sy first announced the development on Instagram by posting an action shot of Yap with his jersey altered into that of the Bossing.
Yap later confirmed the news, but in a somehow unconventional manner, the shooting guard also announced that he would wear number 15 for the Ever Bilena franchise.
"Say hello to your new Bossing, James Yap, number 15," Yap said in a separate Instagram statement, implying that current Blackwater main man Troy Rosario will keep his number 18 jersey.
Yap added, "Farewell eighteen, the jersey number I’ve always had since I started playing serious basketball from Hua Siong College Iloilo to UE, to PBL, and then PBA. I guess it’s safe to say that this number will always be a part of me, my career, my whole life. Thank you, God, for the privilege, the blessings, the awards, and championships I got, while carrying this number. Grateful ako sa lahat ng hirap at lahat ng saya na dumating sa buhay ko, habang bitbit ko ang number na’to."
"As I move into a new team, a number will be given to me. Sana suportahan niyo parin ako, wala naman magbabago. Iiwanan ko lang ang number 18, pero hindi ang basketball. Thank you and goodbye number 18, that was a meaningful and unforgettable run."
Yap also attached in his statement a photo of him during his first practice as a Bossing at the Ronac Gym in San Juan City, where he serves as a councilor.
Yap is expected to sign his contract with Blackwater on Friday.
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