PBA legend James Yap is taking a break from basketball to focus on his bid for re-election as a councilor in San Juan City. A veteran in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Yap has made a name for himself as one of the most accomplished players in the league’s history. However, at 42 years old, he is temporarily stepping away from the game that made him famous to focus on his political career.
Yap confirmed the decision to prioritize his political work over basketball during a visit to the UE Red Warriors’ game against the DLSU Green Archers on Saturday, October 12. He is currently running for a second term as councilor in San Juan City’s first district under the leadership of Mayor Francis Zamora.
This isn’t his first foray into politics, as he secured a seat in the 2022 elections, receiving 21,427 votes. His performance in that election gave him the confidence to continue serving his constituents.
Yap revealed that his decision to enter politics came with encouragement from Mayor Francis Zamora, who played a key role in persuading the PBA star to run for office. Yap expressed his gratitude towards the mayor, saying, “Actually, si Mayor Francis is our mayor in San Juan. So, very close to me. And siya ‘yung nagsabi sa akin na kung pwede tatakbo ako sa partido niya, sa side niya, sa team niya. Kaya noong last election, in-invite niya ako kung pwede akong tumakbo sa team niya. Hindi naman ako nagdalawang-isip dahil gusto ko rin makatulong.”
PANOORIN: Ang paliwanag ni Councilor James Yap kung bakit wala siyang kasamang miyembro ng pamilya nang maghain ng COC para sa 2nd term niya bilang konsehal ng 1st District ng San Juan City. #Halalan2025 pic.twitter.com/oDJ110yaC1
— Johnson Manabat (@JohnsonManabat) October 8, 2024
His strong ties with the local community, coupled with his desire to give back, have made Yap’s transition from sports to politics a natural progression. However, balancing both his basketball career and political responsibilities has proven to be quite the challenge. While he managed to do so initially, the demands of public office and his passion for basketball have become increasingly difficult to juggle.
As a councilor, Yap’s duties have grown, making it harder to give his 100% effort on the basketball court. While still fully capable of playing, the responsibilities of his political career require more attention. “So totoo lang, nahihirapan talaga ako na ipagsabay yung basketball at politics.
Nagsa-suffer talaga yung basketball ko. Ngayon focus ako sa politics, kausapin ko Blackwater management. Ayaw ko naman na magsho-show up ako sa basketball, mas gusto mo rin namang kondisyon ka. Eh hindi ako nakapag-practice ng mabuti so kausapin ko muna yung management na talagang 110% na focus muna ako dito sa pagtakbo ko as councilor sa second term,” Yap explained.
This decision marks a temporary pause in his remarkable basketball career, as he made it clear that he isn’t ready to retire yet. James Yap remains focused on his political responsibilities for now, but there’s always the possibility of a return to basketball in the future once his re-election bid concludes.
James Yap’s legacy in the PBA is well-established, and even with this break, his influence in basketball is undeniable. Since being selected as the second overall pick by the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants in the 2004 PBA Draft, Yap has spent two decades building an illustrious career. Throughout this time, he has won seven PBA championships, cemented himself as a two-time PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), and has earned four PBA Finals MVP awards.
In addition, Yap has collected accolades such as the 2009/10 PBA Best Player of the Conference, two PBA Three-Point Contest titles, and the 2009 PBA scoring champion title. His record of 18 PBA All-Star selections further highlights his impact on the court. Having also played for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and Blackwater Bossing, Yap’s basketball resume speaks for itself.
His success in the sport has garnered the respect of both his peers and fans, and it’s clear that once Yap feels it’s the right time, his return to basketball will be eagerly awaited.
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