Burger King trades away controversial rookie Aguilar

Controversial rookie Japeth Aguilar’s first game with Burger King also proved to be his last. In yet another twist in the never-ending saga involving the lanky, 6-foot-10 freshman, the Whopper management announced that it is trading away Aguilar in a shocking development that rocked the PBA Philippine Cup still at its infant stage.

Aguilar is expected to end up with the team he wants to play for – the RP-Smart Gilas team - but will have to be traded first to Barako Bull and eventually, shipped to Talk `N Text. The Tropang Texters then will unload him to the national team. Handled by Serbian coach Rajko Toroman, the Smart-Gilas team is being bankrolled by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the amateur governing body headed by Talk ‘N Text owner Manny V. Pangilinan. Barako Bull had to act as conduit to the trade since Burger King and Talk`N Text can’t be involved in a direct deal as per PBA rules since Pangilinan has stakes in both franchises. PBA chairman and Burger King representative to the league Board Lito Alvarez made the announcement inside the Whopper’s dugout shortly after the team lost to Purefoods, 93-80, on Sunday. His statement caught the whole team by surprise as the Whopper stayed in their dugout for about two hours following the game. Aguilar, who had stints with Western Kentucky University in the US NCAA, had 10 points, nine rebounds and a shot block in 24 minutes of action during his PBA debut. More comfortable with Gilas “Japeth really wants to play for Smart-Gilas," said Ronnie Nathanielz, Aguilar’s manager-adviser. “He is more comfortable there and he thinks that he can learn more from (Rajko) Toroman." Burger King coach Yeng Guiao said letting go of a player who from the start appeared not really inclined to play for the team could yet be the best answer to the situation. “Maganda na rin yan sa isang banda. At least, hindi lang isang kampo ang masaya," said Guiao, who also handled Aguilar with the Powerade-Team Pilipinas squad in the FIBA Asia Championship. “Besides, we’ve prepared naman for the season without Japeth." In return for trading the year’s top rookie pick, Burger King will get the No. 2 and 3 picks of Talk 'N Text in the 2010-11 Draft, assuring the Whopper of owning the top three selections since it already has the right on the No. 1 pick. Aguilar is expected to suit up for Smart-Gilas on Friday when it takes on Burger King. The Nationals will only play for 10 games in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup (the first round of the eliminations) before they compete in a series of tournaments overseas. The 22-year-old Aguilar earlier became the center of controversy for refusing to join Burger King and deciding to hook up with the Smart Gilas squad instead. Facing possible ban from the pro-league, Aguilar eventually agreed to ink a one-year pact with Burger King worth P1.8 million in time for Sunday’s PBA opening. - GMANews.TV