At his college alma mater, Japeth Aguilar may have played his last national team game with Gilas Pilipinas beating Guam in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
Japeth Aguilar shared a heartwarming moment with his family as an appreciative crowd showered him with applause at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym on Monday night, Dec. 1.
Led by Ricky Vargas, the Samahang Basketbol ng Piliinas honored Aguilar for a an illustrious national team career in a brief but sweet ceremony that ushered Gilas Pilipinas’ match against Guam in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
Gilas went on to give the 6-foot-9 legend a fitting sendoff, with the Philippines scoring a 95-71 win to share Group A lead with a 2-0 mark.
Aguilar had three points, one rebound, and a steal as a starter.
"Akala ko marami akong fitting na mag-retire na ako. Yung gold [Asian Games]… pero this one, mas sweet kasi very nostalgic sakin," said Aguilar, who played a couple of years at Ateneo in the UAAP before transferring to Western Kentucky in the US.
While Aguilar started, it was Justin Brownlee and Dwight Ramos who finished the job for the Filipinos with the former finishing with 20 points, five rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and a block.
Ramos, who likewise had his Ateneo homecoming for this game, added 19 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.
Kevin Quiambao was good 12 points for Gilas Pilipinas, who blazed to a hot 17-3 start but needed to douse an inspired Guam fight back in the third period.
Behind Jericho Cruz, who also plays for San Miguel in the PBA, the visiting team trimmed what was once a 23-point deficit to just nine, 47-56.
But Gilas, backed by a cheerful home crowd, closed out the period with a 16-8 blast to restore order.
It was all Gilas from there.
“We didn’t play our best game tonight especially from the defensive end. Bottomline is we took care of business,” said Gilas coach Tim Cone during the post-game press conference.
Cruz almost single-handedly carried Guam with 27 points, a rebound, and a steal.
Backing him up was Takumi Simon, who fired seven triples on his way to 23 points, four rebounds, an assist, and a steal.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.