Pinoy big man Aguilar learns lessons from NBA stars

MANILA, Philippines – Japeth Aguilar is one among those success stories of second generation players. His father, Peter Aguilar, was no more than just a footnote of Ginebra San Miguel’s popularity in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Perhaps, the elder Aguilar’s best accomplishment was being named as part of the Ron Jacobs-mentored RP team, an all-amateur squad that reaped honors in several international tournaments and being a member of Philippine Basketball League (PBL) champion Cebuana Lhuillier during the height of the team’s popularity in the amateur cage league. But nothing could make a dad more proud than seeing his son accomplishing something he has never done before. For Japeth, his dad isn’t just his personal mentor but a role model as well. “He’s my idol," Aguilar said in an interview with GMANews.TV. “Anybody could pick any superstar playing basketball today, but he’s truly a role model and he has been my inspiration." Japeth is now one of the key players of the Western Kentucky University in the US NCAA. He has earned the admiration of several scouts both in the United States and coaches here in the Philippines, including multi-titled PBA coach Yeng Guiao, now tapped as the new RP team mentor. “I feel exited not only to tryout, but to see my family and friends that I haven’t seen for three years. Also, I feel blessed to have this kind of opportunity," said the younger Aguilar. While in the US playing some pick up games, Aguilar had rare opportunities playing against some of the best players in the National Basketball Association (NBA) like Shawn Marion of the Miami Heat, Antoine Walker and former Ginebra import Chris Alexander. “I played with them when I was in Chicago," said Aguilar. Playing with some of the best made the former Ateneo stalwart improved by leaps and bounds, but Aguilar believes he still has a lot of things to work on the other facets of his game. “I believe that I still have a lot to learn. Maybe height and athleticism are some of the great attributes in my game and some of the knowledge I learned here. But I still want to improve more," he said. He also listed playing in the PBA, representing the Philippines in an international competition and marrying his fiancé Jessica Magley. “I am planning to marry my fiancé and also pursue a possible career in the PBA," said Aguilar, who is expected to become one of the most sought after players once he decides to turn pro. – GMANews.TV