A few only noticed but James Yap had to endure a sore back in the recent PBA Philippine Cup, despite the nagging injury, James Yap still led Purefoods TJ Giants to another All-Filipino Championship and won the Best Player of the Conference award and Finals MVP. Yap has a minor scoliosis problem and intends to have a rehabilitation procedure before the 2010 Fiesta Conference.

Purefoods or now Derby Ace is looking for a season sweep in the coming Fiesta Conference, and James hopes to lead Purefoods again and this also might boost his chances in winning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. But as of now, James has his sights in improving his defense in the next conference. James Yap averaged 17.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists in the recent PBA Philippine Cup.