Aguilar has yet to sign PBA contract with BK

Japeth Aguilar has yet to sign with Burger King fueling speculations that this year’s Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) top rookie pick is thinking of playing for the Smart Gilas Pilipinas national team.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas hopes to invite the 6-foot-10 former Western Kentucky University standout to join the Gilas team under coach Rajko Toroman. SBP formed the Gilas team with the hopes of winning the 2011 FIBA Asia men’s championship crown that would earn for the Philippines the lone spot allotted for Asia in the 2012 London Olympics. Its players, all from the amateur ranks, are committed to stay with the team for three years in the lead-up to the Olympic quest. But since Aguilar decided to turn pro, the SBP would have to make special arrangements with the PBA and Burger King to get his services. But Burger King team manager and newly-installed PBA chairman Lito Alvarez said he is not rushing things amidst speculation that Aguilar wants to play for Smart-Gilas than starting a career with the Whopper. Alvarez said that Aguilar has yet to sign a three-year maximum contract with the Whopper. “He has yet to sign a contract. Japeth along with his agent, Ronnie Nathanielsz and Japeth’s sister met with me, but we haven’t reached an agreement yet." Aguilar, who played both for the all-pro Powerade-Team Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia men’s championship and the William Jones Cup, was also part of the Gilas squad that competed in the Asian Club Championship. He is reportedly having second thoughts of signing a contract with the Whopper or join the SBP-backed squad bankrolled by businessman/sportsman Manny V. Pangilinan, who is also a part owner of the Burger King franchise in the PBA. Alvarez, however, sees no reason why Aguilar won’t sign the contract. The new PBA chair said he followed all legal means in negotiating with Aguilar’s contract. “Hindi naman ako nag-offer ng one year lang eh," said Alvarez. “I offered (Aguilar) three years maximum so ano pa ba ang gusto nila? That’s the best offer we can give." Alvarez said he already presented the issue to PBA commissioner Sonny Barriors for arbitration. “His mindset should be in the PBA. In the first place, why would he apply for the draft kung hindi naman pala niya focus ang PBA? Whatever his decision is, we still have the rights on his services and we can exercise so many options on him," said Alvarez. Should Aguilar decides not to play for Burgr King, which owns his services, Alvarez said that he could face stiff sanction, including a possible ban from the PBA. “Remember the case on Alex Cabagnot? He bolted out of Sta. Lucia’s camp but went back to play for his mother team, but he was banned for awhile." – GMANews.TV