PBA: James Yap, Rain or Shine yet to reach decision on veteran gunner's future

Veteran sharpshooter James Yap bared no decision has been made so far on whether he will return for another stint with Rain or Shine in the PBA, look for another opportunity elsewhere, or finally call it a career.

To recall, Yap signed a one-conference contract with the Elasto Painters in September that allowed him to suit up in the import-laced conference. 

However, Rain or Shine's campaign in the PBA Commissioner's Cup came to a close as they fell to the San Miguel Beermen, 127-122, on Friday.

"Retirement, wala pa. Wala pa (decision)," the 41-year-old Yap said to members of the media.

(Retirement, nothing yet. No decision yet.)

Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao, meanwhile, stressed he is also clueless as to what will happen next in Yap's career and said he will first discuss it with the management as the team now gears up for the upcoming Philippine Cup.

Part of the discussion with the higher-ups would be deciding whether to retain Yap or give the slot to a younger player. In their current roster, the Elasto Painters are made up of rising cagers like Keith Datu, Adrian Nocum, Gian Mauyac, Andrei Caracut, and Anton Asistio.

"We will have to choose between giving that slot to a younger guy, even his minutes, or you will give it to him and expect him to produce. Hindi mo naman ibibigay ‘yang slot na ‘yan kung wala kang expectation na ico-contribute niya," Guiao said.

"It’s also something na we have to evaluate if ‘yung ico-contribute ba niya mas higit ba ‘yun sa ibibigay mong opportunity para sa mga bata na mag-improve. There’s a tug of war there."

(You won't give that slot to those if there are no expected contributions. It's also something we have to evaluate if what he will contribute will be greater than the opportunity which will be given to the younger players. There's a tug of war there.)

—JKC, GMA Integrated News