PBA finals MVP James Yap lends star power to colorful UAAP opening

With UAAP Season 77 hosted by University of the East opening with a program with a galaxy theme, one of the biggest stars of Philippine basketball came home to support his alma mater.

The San Mig Super Coffee Mixers superstar came out to do the ceremonial toss for the opening match between the Red Warriors and the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. His presence drew screams and shrieks from the UE gallery.

He stayed to watch the match, which the Warriors won handily, 87-59.

Yap is coming off a stellar performance in the Governors' Cup finals, where he scored 29 points in Game Five to help his Mixers complete the PBA Grand Slam. It was the second straight tournament that saw Big Game James win finals MVP honors.

Before becoming the face of the PBA, Yap played four seasons for UE in the UAAP from 2000 to 2003. While he failed to end the Red Warriors' title drought dating back to 1985, Yap won the league's MVP in his last season with the team.


Earlier in the afternoon, the league opened with a colorful number from the UE Silanganan Dance Troupe.


Red Warriors team captain Bong Galanza led the Oath of Sportsmanship before the formal start of the hostilities. — JST, GMA News