Births on February 15

James Yap, Filipino basketball player

James Carlos Agravante Yap Sr.: A Philippine Basketball Legend

James Carlos Agravante Yap Sr., born on February 15, 1982, stands as one of the most iconic and celebrated figures in Philippine basketball. Affectionately known by his powerful moniker, "Big Game James," Yap has carved out a storied career defined by clutch performances, numerous accolades, and a lasting impact on the sport. Currently, he continues to showcase his skills as a professional basketball player for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the highly competitive Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

The Rise of a Phenom: From Collegiate Stardom to PBA Draft

Yap's journey to professional basketball prominence began with an impressive amateur career. His high school basketball exploits were noteworthy, first at Bacolod Tay Tung High School and later at Iloilo Central Commercial High School. During his time in Iloilo, Yap became the driving force behind his team's remarkable achievement of three consecutive Iloilo PRISAA titles, hinting at the championship pedigree he would later display.

His transition to collegiate basketball saw him join the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, a prominent team in the prestigious University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). In 2002, Yap significantly contributed to the Red Warriors' return to the UAAP Final Four after a considerable absence, although they eventually lost to the Ateneo Blue Eagles, who went on to clinch the championship. The following season, Yap once again led the Red Warriors to the Final Four, marking their second consecutive appearance in the semifinals. Despite their efforts, they were ultimately defeated by the Far Eastern University Tamaraws. Nevertheless, Yap's individual brilliance was undeniable, culminating in him being named the **UAAP Most Valuable Player in 2003**, a testament to his exceptional talent and leadership on the collegiate stage.

Prior to his PBA entry, Yap also honed his skills in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) from 2001 to 2004. The PBL served as a vital stepping stone for many future PBA stars, providing a platform for Yap to further develop his game against strong competition.

"Big Game James" in the PBA: A Legacy of Championships and MVPs

Recognizing his immense potential, James Yap declared his eligibility for the 2004 PBA Draft. His talent did not go unnoticed, as he was selected as the 2nd overall pick by the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants, a franchise renowned for its rich history and passionate fan base. Yap quickly established himself as a focal point of the Purefoods offense, becoming synonymous with the team's success for over a decade.

His individual brilliance earned him the league's highest individual honor twice, as he was named the **PBA Most Valuable Player** for the 2005–2006 and 2009–2010 seasons. These awards cemented his status as one of the PBA's elite players. During the 2009–2010 season, he also clinched the **Philippine Cup Conference MVP**, highlighting his dominance in one of the PBA's three annual conferences.

Yap's tenure with the Purefoods franchise (later known as the Star Hotshots) was defined by an incredible run of success, leading them to **seven PBA championships** before his trade in 2016. A particular highlight of his career came in 2014 when, alongside fellow stars Peter June Simon and Marc Pingris, he spearheaded his team to a historic **PBA Grand Slam**. This monumental achievement, winning all three conference championships (Philippine Cup, Commissioner's Cup, and Governor's Cup) in a single season, is one of the rarest feats in Philippine sports history, accomplished by only a handful of teams in the PBA's existence. During this grand slam season, Yap's clutch performances were again pivotal, earning him the **2013–2014 Commissioner's Cup Finals MVP** and the **2013–2014 Governors' Cup Finals MVP** awards, solidifying his reputation as "Big Game James."

Consistent Excellence and Lasting Impact

James Yap's popularity within the league is unrivaled, making him one of the most beloved figures in Philippine basketball. His consistent performance and longevity are evident in his remarkable All-Star record: he has been selected an astounding **16 times to the PBA All-Star Game, from 2004 to 2019, starting in every single one of those appearances**. This streak underscores his sustained excellence and fan appeal. His All-Star dominance was further recognized when he won the **All-Star MVP award in 2012**.

Beyond individual accolades, Yap also ranks as the **third all-time leading scorer in Purefoods franchise history**, a remarkable achievement placing him among legends like Alvin Patrimonio and Jerry Codiñera. His contributions extended to the international stage as well, having been a many-time member of the Philippine national basketball team, often referred to as the RP Basketball Team, representing the country in various international competitions.

Frequently Asked Questions About James Yap Sr.

What is James Yap's nickname and why is he called that?

James Yap is famously known as "Big Game James." This moniker was earned due to his consistent ability to perform exceptionally well and deliver crucial baskets or plays during high-pressure situations, especially in important playoff games and championship series.

How many PBA championships has James Yap won?

James Yap has won a total of seven PBA championships, all during his illustrious tenure with the Purefoods/Star Hotshots franchise.

What is a PBA Grand Slam, and did James Yap achieve it?

A PBA Grand Slam is a rare and prestigious achievement in the Philippine Basketball Association where a team wins all three conference championships (Philippine Cup, Commissioner's Cup, and Governor's Cup) in a single season. Yes, James Yap was a key player for the Purefoods Star Hotshots team that achieved a historic Grand Slam in the 2013-2014 season.

How many MVP awards has James Yap won in the PBA?

James Yap is a two-time PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2005–2006 and 2009–2010 seasons. He also has a Philippine Cup Conference MVP (2009–2010), a Commissioner's Cup Finals MVP (2013–2014), and a Governors' Cup Finals MVP (2013–2014).

Which collegiate team did James Yap play for?

James Yap played collegiate basketball for the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors in the UAAP, where he was named the UAAP Most Valuable Player in 2003.

Is James Yap still playing professional basketball?

Yes, James Yap Sr. is currently a professional basketball player for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).