Japeth Aguilar retires from Gilas Pilipinas

Japeth Aguilar is hanging up his national team jersey.

The seasoned big man formally announced his retirement from national team duties just minutes before Gilas Pilipinas’ game against Guam in the 2025 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Monday.

His retirement was announced at a familiar venue, the Blue Eagle Gym, where he spent two years of his collegiate career with Ateneo de Manila University, as he bid farewell to representing the flag.

Aguilar has long been a fixture of the national team.

The 38-year-old starred for the Philippines in three different FIBA World Cup editions—2014, 2019, and 2023—while also helping guide the team’s younger members. He was part of the gold-medal squad in the 2023 Asian Games, helping the country end a 61-year championship drought.

After years of representing the Philippines on the international stage, Aguilar has decided it is time to close this chapter of his illustrious career.

He made sure, however, that he is leaving the national team in capable hands, with Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo, AJ Edu, and Quentin Millora-Brown expected to carry the fight forward.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News