Llamados, Yap agree to 3-year, P12.6-M contract

Nothing but the best for the two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP). B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados' top gun James Yap verbally agreed to a three-year, P12.6-million contract extension, a deal that came as no surprise. B-Meg Derby Ace board governor and Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) chairman Rene Pardo told GMANews.TV in a telephone interview that the franchise player has already agreed to the terms.

"We've already agreed to the terms. James agreed to the three-year term, but he hasn't signed the contract yet because he's in the hospital to have his nose operated," said Pardo. "His doctor told him to rest for 10 days." Pardo is the one personally negotiating with the team's prized-player, an agreement which he requested from team manager Alvin Patrimonio. Yap underwent a minor surgery at the St. Luke's Hospital to remove nasal polyps after the player claimed he "had difficulty breathing." "James complained he had difficulty breathing," said B-Meg Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent. "That's why he underwent an operation. But it's nothing serious. He just needs to rest." The 6-foot-2, former University of the East standout won the MVP award of the just concluded 35th season of the PBA, becoming only the second player since Patrimonio to win at least two MVPs for the old Purefoods franchise. Patrimonio is the only other four-time MVP awardee aside from Mon Fernandez. Meanwhile, Gallent has set a deadline on B-Meg Derby Ace forward Don Allado, who has yet to sign a contract extension up to this time. Patrimonio and Allado's father, Caloy, who also serves as the player's agent, are scheduled to meet Friday to discuss the contract. Gallent has set a deadline of until Saturday for Allado, who's been reportedly offered as a trade bait following his refusal to sign the contract for several days now. But Pardo said Allado continuous to regularly attend team practice. "He's attending practices to keep himself in shape. As far as the contract is concerned, Alvin is the one negotiating with Caloy," said Pardo. - JVP/OMG, GMANews.TV