Top Rain or Shine defender Jireh Ibañes expects James Yap to bounce back

Rey Joble, InterAKTV · Wednesday, December 26, 2012 · 4:46 pm

AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan

San Mig Coffee superstar James Yap and Rain or Shine defensive specialist have had many heated battles on the hardcourt.
Despite their history, Ibañes maintains a healthy respect for Yap — even after the Mixers’ gunner’s woeful 1-of-11 shooting performance in Game Three of their Philippine Cup semifinals series.
“Alam naman natin kung gaano siya kagaling,” said Ibañes. “I think he was just having an off night.”
Ibañes said he expects Yap to bounce back in Game Four.
“Asahan na natin yan. He’s such a good player he will get his points anytime he wants. You can’t stop him, but you can limit him,” said Ibañes.
With San Mig Coffee trailing the series, 2-1, Ibañes knows Yap will try to have a monster game to help his team even the series. Yap already did it once, scoring 34 points in Game Two to lift San Mig Coffee to a 106-82 win.
“Tingin ko kasi mas dapat paghandaan natin siya sa ganitong situation. He will do everything to get his team the win,” said Ibañes.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao echoed his player’s sentiments.
“Kung masama laro niya nung Game Three, I expect James to play a lot better in Game Four,” said Guiao. “James will always get his points.”

Source:InterAKTV