MAKING the playoffs of the PBA Philippine Cup is the immediate goal for Blackwater.
But in the long run, two-time MVP James Yap said reaching the semis - much less the finals - should be in the bucket list of the Bossing franchise.
For someone who's been there and done that, Yap preaches that respect is earned and not given.
"Diyan tayo rerespetuhin ng ibang teams kung pumapasok tayo ng semis, ng finals," said Yap, one of the hottest acquisitions of Blackwater during the off season.
"Kung gusto mong gumawa ng pangalan sa PBA, gusto mong magkaroon ng reputation, diyan tayo sa semis and finals."
Sponsored content: So far in his initial foray with the Bossing, the 42-year-old shooting guard came out victorious as the team survived a late Meralco onslaught for a 96-93 win.
Yap finished with five points in 12 minutes of play and felt good about his health after previously being bothered by a nagging calf injury.
But while he welcomes the fast start, Yap said everything else begins by making the playoffs.
"Yung eliminations makakalimutan ng mga tao yan. Pero kapag pumapasok ka ng semis, finals, doon nakatutok sa iyo yung mga tao," stressed the player who goes by the moniker 'Big Game James.'
"Kahit gaano ka pa kagaling sa eliminations, kapag hindi ka pumapasok sa semis, finals, bale wala yun. So yun ang goal namin. Semis and next round."
Sponsored content: Blackwater last reached the quarterfinals during the Season 47 Philippine Cup. (RG)
