Gilas captain Japeth Aguilar 'sorry to disappoint' record-breaking crowd, but still hopeful on chances

Gilas Pilipinas captain Japeth Aguilar was the first to apologize to the record-breaking crowd at the Philippine Arena as the national team fell to the Dominican Republic, 87-81, on Friday in the opening day of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

"They showed up today. Sorry we did not get the job done but we still have hope," Aguilar told reporters when asked about the new World Cup attendance record at 38, 115.

Philippine head coach Chot Reyes echoed Aguilar's sentiments.

"It's such a letdown that we could've pulled it off. It could have been a good gift to the record number people who came out."

Despite the loss, Aguilar is still hopeful about Gilas' chances in Group A.

"Hopefully, we'll get a win," he added.

Gilas captain Japeth Aguilar on record-breaking crowd at the Philippine Arena: Sorry to disappoint, there’s still hope.

Check out his thoughts about the game vs Dominican Republic #FIBAWC @gmasportsph @gmanews pic.twitter.com/PODFj3wdhn

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) August 25, 2023

Aguilar also had some positive takeaways from their match.

"Our defense probably. The young guys stepped up," said the Gilas captain.

The three-time World Cup player also praised young big man AJ Edu.

"He really showed up this game. Big props to AJ Edu. I keep telling him to keep it up," he said.

And for their next game against Angola, Aguilar said, "Quick turnaround, we have one day to prepare. We're gonna watch the film of Angola so we're going to prepare for that one."

The Philippines will face Angola on Sunday, before taking on Italy on Tuesday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News