Kris Aquino’s youngest son, James “Bimby” Yap Jr. had learned the basics of basketball even when he was small. Surely the talent has been inherited from his father multi-MVP awardee James Yap, it is not a surprise anymore if one day, Bimby will hit and rule the hard court. In one episode of “Kris TV”, guests Jeron and Jeric Teng and Air21 Express head coach Franz Pumaren taught Bimby essentials of basketball. And Pumaren can testify that Bimby really have the potential to be a player.
Genetically having big hands, height and fast-learner (criteria for a basketball player), Bimby is way ahead of each age by the way he play basketball. “Ang bilis niyang pumick-up,” Pumaran said. “Kung sa passing, for his age, I was so amazed… Pinasubukan namin (nila Jeron and Jeric) na umatras kami ng onti and Bimby can easily pass the ball kahit medyo malayo kami. Napick-up din niya kaagad ’yung mga tinuro namin,” he shared.
According to Pumaran, Bimby also have a high basketball IQ and is showing strong interest in the sport. He showed an excellent move in ball handling and dribbling, a trait which is not a typical for a 7 years old boy. Being observant as he is, Bimby could have been easily picked up the techniques by watching his dad play in a hard court. “(Sa) shooting, there’s always room for improvement dahil kagaya ng sinasabi natin sa age niya, dapat mga 8 feet lang ang goal. Pero in spite of that (higher goal), ‘yung form niya, medyo okay na. Umaabot pa rin ‘yung shot niya. Just imagine kung sa actual age group niya mas mababa ang goal, mas madali siyang mag-shoot,” Pumaran added.
