FIBA: Japeth Aguilar grateful for 'fitting end' to Gilas journey

MANILA, December 7 ------ Veteran big man Japeth Aguilar said his final game for Gilas Pilipinas was a fitting way to end his tour of duty for the national team.

Ahead of their clash with Guam in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asia Qualifiers, Aguilar was honored at the Blue Eagle Gym in Ateneo de Manila University. "Yeah tingin ko. Very fitting," Aguilar told reporters when asked if this was indeed his last dance for Gilas.

The Barangay Ginebra big man turned nostalgic as he capped off 16 years with Gilas in the place he once called home. Aguilar played for Ateneo for two years in the UAAP, with some games held in the same venue. "Akala ko madami akong fitting na mag-reretire na ako. Yung gold [sa Asian Games]. But this one, mas sweet kasi very nostalgic eh," Aguilar said.

The 38-year-old player said his top three moments in Gilas were entering the team in 2009, and competing in the FIBA World Cup in 2014 and 2023. While he already called time on his national team duties, Aguilar said it’s not the same case for his PBA career. "Hindi pa naman. Meron pa akong few left in my contract," he said.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com