James Yap will not play in their final elims game

A bone spur in his right ankle has been slowing down San Mig Coffee superstar James Yap, according to coach Tim Cone.

The two-time Most Valuable Player has been noticeably slowed down in the last two games for the Mixers, failing to hit double-digits each time.


“He has a bone spur on his foot. We have him X-rayed two days ago. But I think he’ll get through it and he will be ready for the playoffs,” said Cone, who added his top gun has been playing through pain for most of the conference.

“He plays with a lot of stuff that people don’t know,” said Cone. “Injuries, such as this one, are tough to overcome, but the real therapy for it is rest, so I want to have him rested in our next game.”

Cone said he’s planning to rest Yap in the Mixers’ final assignment on Sunday against Meralco.

But despite hurting, Yap said he’s willing to play through all of it.

“Maraming beses na akong naglalaro na mayroon akong nararamdaman pero hindi ko ipinapaalam sa tao,” said Yap. “Kaya gusto ko pa ring maglaro sa Sunday. Pero ang mas sigurado, maglalaro ako sa quarterfinals.”

Nic Ocampo, the team’s physical therapist, said Yap’s injury isn’t a serious long-term injury.

“It was caused by the wear and tear mainly because of all the years he’s been playing,” said Ocampo. “Pero pwede naman niya ipa-treat yan after the playoffs dahil kaya pa naman siyang ilaro.

“Yung mga ganitong klaseng injury, ang best treatment is through strengthening and balance.”

San Mig Coffee is set to play Petron in the quarterfinals, with the Mixers enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage by virtue of being the No. 2 seed.