Coach Tim Cone called in Japeth Aguilar as reinforcement for Gilas Pilipinas during the recently-concluded FIBA Asia Cup as the national team dealt with the injury to Kai Sotto.
Japeth Aguilar stepped up to the plate for Gilas Pilipinas as he reinforced the frontcourt during the recently-concluded FIBA Asia Cup, where the national team once again endured the absence of the injured Kai Sotto.
Gilas coach Tim Cone spoke highly about the multi-titled PBA veteran as he continued to show up for the country — even at the expense of his own wishes.
Having been with the national team program since 2009, Aguilar is the most tenured player still on the active roster. Despite this, Aguilar showed tenacity in his role for the team, especially as Gilas awaits the re-entry of its star center in Sotto.
“Let me say something about Japeth. I mean, what a warrior he is. He didn’t want to go to this tournament. I begged and begged and begged, because we just felt like, we just didn’t have enough size to compete without Kai there and, so I begged him to come and he stepped up and came again.” said Cone on an interview with News5’s Power & Play.
Aguilar flanked the likes of young gun AJ Edu, who also has his own history of injuries, and fellow national team stalwart June Mar Fajardo to provide crucial experience to the team. Though his on-court production is minimal, Aguilar remains a key cog to the program.
But more than what he contributed in the stat sheet, Cone was left in awe of Aguilar’s continued spirit and his motivation to continue showing up for the country. Japeth's constant sacrifice earned him newfound respect, as far as coach Tim is concerned.
“My hats off to Japeth,” said Cone.
“He’s just… He responds to the country every time and even though, he has asked to retire three times already, I believe,” he added.
Luckily for Cone and Aguilar, there will be help on the way the next time Gilas suits up.
[RELATED: Quentin Millora-Brown 'just what the doctor ordered' for Gilas says Cone — ‘He’s the 6’10” KQ’]
With Sotto nearing recovery from his ACL injury, the national team can lean on his return sooner rather than later. The addition of Quentin Millora-Brown also gives a boost as FIBA recently named the 6-foot-10 big man a local for Gilas Pilipinas.
Gilas returns to action later this year in November as they kick start the Asian Qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA World Cup.