PBA: Japeth Aguilar 'doubtful' for Ginebra's crucial next two games

Barangay Ginebra may head into a crucial stretch of the elimination round without Japeth Aguilar, who remains hospitalized after a hard fall during last Friday’s game against Blackwater.

Despite a possible discharge in the next 24 to 48 hours, Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone said Aguilar is unlikely to suit up for Ginebra’s crucial next games against two of the PBA's top teams in Meralco on Friday and Rain or Shine on Sunday.

"I believe he’s still in the hospital but we expect him to come out maybe hopefully tomorrow or Tuesday. We don’t have a time for him in terms of when he’ll be back into the lineup and ready to play," Cone said.

"I think the first step is just getting out of the hospital and we’ll decided where to go from there."

The 39-year-old Aguilar collided with Blackwater’s 7-foot import Robert Upshaw while contesting a defensive play at the 10:03 mark of the fourth quarter. He managed to stay on the floor briefly but was subbed out by Isaac Go at the 9:39 mark.

According to Tim Cone, Japeth Aguilar is already out of danger but is expected to miss the next two games. He was also sidelined in Ginebra’s 119–107 win over Titan Ultra on Sunday.

"In terms of medical, I really can’t tell you. I can’t even pronounce the words that they’re using. Basically, he has some air in his lungs or some air in the pockets around his lungs," Cone said.

"He’s out of danger and it’s not serious."

Tim Cone is now calling on Ginebra’s other big men to step up as they take on the Bolts and the Elasto Painters in a bid to strengthen their push for a playoff bonus.

In their latest win over the Giant Risers, Ginebra's frontcourt proved their worth with Troy Rosario grabbing 13 rebounds on top of his 12 points while Norbert Torres and Go each had two boards in brief appearances. 

"Troy and Isaac and Norbert, they know that their roles become even more important when Japeth is out of the floor," Cone said. 

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News