James Yap vows not to let Calvin Abueva get on his nerves

Thursday, September 26, 2013

James Yap vows not to let Calvin Abueva get on his nerves

SAN Mig Coffee star James Yap has vowed not to let Alaska rookie Calvin Abueva get on his nerves, hours before the two teams renew their rivalry in the PBA Governors Cup quarterfinals.

Yap and Abueva have had much publicized skirmishes in the past, the last in the Commissioner's Cup semifinals that degenerated into a war of words and dragged Yap's teammate Marc Pingris into the fray.

The two-time league MVP has also complained about the super rookie's 'dirty tactics,' prompting Abueva to fire back.

Yap, however, has vowed that there won't be a repeat of such incident as the two teams prepare to square off in another playoff, this time with the second-seeded Mixers enjoying twice-to-beat advantage.

“Hindi na ako magpapa-apekto sa kanya. Alam ko naman na lalong gumagaling si Abueva pag pinapansin mo. Mas namo-motivate siya pag naiinis ka,” Yap told Spin on Wednesday.

“Natuto na tayo sa kanya. Hindi na ko maaapektuhan niya. 'Yun kasi talaga ang laro niya eh. The more na papansinin mo, the more na gumagaling si Calvin eh,” he added.

Yap said it was no different when Alaska plays other teams.

“Kahit nung Ginebra-Alaska finals, kitang kita na the more na pipisikalin mo siya, the more na ginaganahan. Pati team mo maapektuhan,” said the former University of the East standout.

Asked if he is longing for payback against the Aces after their semifinal loss in the last Commissioner's Cup playoffs, Yap replied: ‘Siyempre andyan 'yan. Ito ang pinakamagandang pagkakataon para makabawi kami.

“Pero inuulit ko, tutok muna kami sa game mamaya."

The San Mig star also refused to get ahead of himself, even if San Mig enjoys a distinct advantage in the playoff match-up.

“One game at a time lang muna kami. Saka na yung excitement. Focus muna kami sa game ngayon,” he said.