MANILA, January 30 ------ James Yap’s time with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters has reached its end. The two-time PBA MVP, whose contract with the E-Painters expired after their last game in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner's Cup, revealed that the team has granted his request for a release. “After much prayer and reflection, I have decided to end my journey as an Elasto Painter,” the seven-time PBA champion announced on his Instagram account. “I have truly appreciated all those who have supported me during this time and thank you for making me part of your family for 7 years.”
In his stay with ROS, the squad had several quarterfinals and semifinals appearances, but that was the farthest that they could reach. Still, the 2014 Grand Slam champion was appreciative of his stay with Rain or Shine. “I also want to extend my gratitude to the team’s management for graciously approving my request for release and allowing me to move forward to begin the next chapter in my life,” he said. “I will always be grateful for this team, for all the memories, and for the lessons we went through together,” he concluded.
The four-time PBA Finals MVP did not reveal where he would be playing next, or if he would be going into retirement, which was consistent from his statement earlier this month. ”Retirement? Wala pa,” he told reporters last January 19. There were also reports that Yap will be returning to the team that drafted him, the Purefoods franchise, but those are still up in the air for now.
Yap won all of his championships and season and finals MPVs there, and he also claimed four PBA Mythical Team selections, an All-Rookie Team selection, multiple All-Star Game selections, and was also hailed as one of the PBA’s 40 Greatest Players ever. His last championship was in 2014, the last title from San Mig Coffee’s historic Grand Slam. Yap previously ran for a government post during the 2022 elections, and he eventually captured a seat in the council of San Juan City’s 1st District after getting 21,247 votes.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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