Less than two seasons ago, Japeth Aguilar was putting up BPC-worthy numbers in the 2014 Philippine Cup, before injuries coupled with unsuccessful seasons hampered his progress and took away a portion of his confidence. Focusing on reinvigorating during the offseason, however, Aguilar is slowly regaining the form that he was known for, making an impact in bothering shots, beating opponents when it comes to the glass, and adding scoring for Barangay Ginebra.
It showed in his third game back when he put up 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots in a 111-108 overtime win over GlobalPort where he’d make crucial baskets down the stretch.
Aguilar said the ability to put such numbers (16.3 PPG, 11 RPG, 3 BPG in 3 games this conference) is mainly due to the effort he exerts on and off the court.
“From the past conference, my energy was low. Talagang pinaghandaan ko ang conference na ito. Nagpa-kondisyon ako during the offseason,” he said.
“Yung in-emphasize ni coach [Frankie Lim] ay effort namin. The rest of the guys gave it all. Everyone who came in contributed. The GlobalPort team that we played, they are tough. Hindi sila basta-basta.”
With a healthy roster that is starting to familiarize itself with the system, the Kings hope to embark on a run that will take them to a better position for the playoffs.
Aguilar added the goal is “to win as much games and carry over to the playoffs the momentum” and promises to exert the same amount of effort in a clash with the Star Hotshots on Sunday.
“You can never count Star out because they have a great team. We cannot be happy and contented. We will put the same effort we put tonight. If they beat us but we gave our all, wala na kaming magagawa doon.”
