NBA-hopeful Japeth Aguilar cites Jeremy Lin as inspiration

The zero-to-hero story of Jeremy Lin has inspired many people, but one particular person who draws strength from it is the Philippines' own Japeth Aguilar, who hopes to break into the NBA. The 25-year-old Aguilar, who was part of the Philippine National Team Gilas and recently concluded a stint in the PBA with the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters, opted to try his luck in the United States after his contract locally expired. He has since tried out for the San Antonio Spurs, the New Orleans Hornets, and the NBA Development League's Bakersfield Jam. So far, Aguilar hasn't received any offers, but he's using the story of current Houston Rocket Lin as fuel to keep him going. Talking to NBA website HoopsHype.com, Aguilar said, "The story about Jeremy Lin is really inspiring. "How he worked to get into the NBA…It's really inspiring. I actually had the chance to play with him in Las Vegas at Impact [Basketball]. He really worked hard. You can tell that he's really something special." Lin, the first Taiwanese-American in the NBA, went undrafted in 2010, before signing with the Golden State Warriors. During the 2011 offseason, he was cut by that team, and then by the Houston Rockets, before eventually finding his way to the New York Knicks. After a spate of injuries left the Knickerbockers decimated, Lin was named starting point guard and led the team to an impressive run of victories, sparking the "Lin-sanity" craze. Lin was then signed to a $25 million deal this past summer by the Rockets. Like Lin, Aguilar isn't afraid to take the long route to the NBA, which would make him the first Filipino pro in that league. "It's a hard road to get to the NBA," Aguilar added. "It's a long shot. But if I work, I think it's possible." Last season, the 6'9" Aguilar figured in 52 games for TNT with averages of 15.42 minutes, 6.58 points, 4.12 rebounds, and 1.35 blocks. - AMD, GMA News