James Yap says his 'idol' Samboy Lim made him decide to be serious about basketball

Before James Yap became the basketball superstar of today's generation, he was once a kid who was just playing the game as a hobby along with several other sports.

However, that changed when he watched PBA great Samboy Lim live for the first time when he was still in elementary school.

"Nakita ko siya sa Bacolod kasi may game sila nun," Yap told reporters following Purefoods 83-74 loss to Rain or Shine on Sunday. "First time ko siyang nakita. Hindi ako masyadong nanonood ng PBA nun dahil wala kaming cable dati."

Yap said he was only able to watch the match because he was invited by his uncle to tag along. He came home mesmerized upon witnessing Lim's prowess with his own eyes.

"Sobrang excited ako dahil nung nakita ko siya first time, sabi ko, 'Sino 'to? Ang galing,' kasi lumilipad," said the Hotshots shooting guard. "After ko siyang mapanood sabi ko, 'Ito 'yung idol ko."

Inspired by the so-called Skywalker, Yap's life changed as he decided to get serious about basketball.

"Sabi ko gusto ko siyang gayahin. Kasi malaki din 'yung kamay nun e. Binibitbit niya 'yung bola," he said.

Yap said he was saddened when he heard the news of Lim's collapse on Friday night. The 53-year-old legend was playing an exhibition game when he lost consciousness and had to be rushed to the hospital.

"S'yempre nalungkot ako, dahil 'yun nga e, idol ko 'yun. Talagang kinilabutan ako," Yap said. "Sana maging okay siya. - RAF, GMA News