James Yap

From WikiPilipinas: The Hip 'n Free Philippine Encyclopedia

James Carlos Yap, Sr. is a Filipino professional basketball player for the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants in the Philippine Basketball Association and is also a member of the Philippine national team.

[edit] Background

Yap was born on 15 February 1982 in Escalante, Negros Occidental. Before engaging himself in basketball, he played football, baseball and track and field as a kid.

[edit] Amateur basketball career

Yap's skill in basketball was first noticed by his uncle Emmanuel Yap. In the early 90's he played for the Bacolod Tay Tung High School and was later transferred to Iloilo Commercial Central High School. After finishing high school in Iloilo, he was offered to study on a basketball scholarship at the University of the East. In 2001, while studying and playing for his university, he was also a member of the ICTSI-La Salle Archers team for the Philippine Basketball League. In 2002, the UE Red Warriors was one of the final four of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines basketball competition. In the same year, his team won the Collegiate Champions League. In the 67th season of the UAAP, Yap let the Red Warriors to the final four for the second time and was named Most Valuable Player. In 2003, he, along with other UAAP and PBL players, represented the Philippines in the Southeast Asian Games.

[edit] Professional basketball career

Yap was selected second overall pick by the Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs team at the 2004 Philippine Basketball Association draft. In the 2005-2006 PBA season, he edged out rookie and veteran players for the Most Valuable Player award. At age 24, the award made him the 5th youngest to receive an individual recognition. His skills and popularity has made one of the top favorite players among fans.

[edit] Personal life

He is married to television personality, Kris Aquino and has a son named James Yap, Jr. There were different intrigues that shaken his marriage with Aquino, including rumors of having a relationship with a receptionist from Belo Medical Group and more recently, having an affair with a fan.

[edit] Achievements

• 2003 UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP)
• 2003 UAAP First Five Mythical Team member
• 2003 Philippine Sportswriters Association/PSA major awardee (amateur basketball ranks)
• 2003-2004 PBL Mythical First Team member
• 2005-2006 PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP)
• 2005-2006 PBA Mythical First Team member
• 2006 PSA major awardee (professional basketball ranks)
• 4-time PBA All-star starter (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 -- South Team)

[edit] References

• James Yap Hoopedia.nba.com (Accessed 18 January 2010)
• James Yap Absoluteastronomy.com (Accessed 18 January 2010)
• Hope says she might be pregnant with James Yap's kid Showbizandstyle.inquirer.net (Accessed 18 January 2010)
• James Yap: Mayen is not my girlfriend Abs-cbnnews.com (Accessed 18 January 2010)

[edit] Citation

Original content from WikiPilipinas. under GNU Free Documentation License. See full disclaimer.