The qualifying stages for the 2019 FIBA World Cup feature a definitely tedious schedule. Compared to past iterations of the tournament, this series will be broken down into windows and will feature a home-and-away format.
For the first window, SMART Gilas Pilipinas will face Japan on Friday, November 24, before flying back home to host Chinese-Taipei on Monday, November 27.
But for SMART Gilas veteran Japeth Aguilar, this isn’t something new to him.
The famed Barangay Ginebra San Miguel slotman is used to to traveling from gym to gym and playing in front of hostile crowds, all thanks to his stint with NCAA Division I school Western Kentucky University from 2007 to 2009.
“We will go to an arena na almost lahat ng crowd rooting for the other team,” Aguilar recalled of his time with the Hilltoppers, after the Chooks-to-Go-hosted sendoff party for the Nationals on Saturday afternoon at Crowne Plaza.
Playing in a venue that has everyone in the stands jeering them will be challenging. But for Aguilar, he is confident that many Filipinos will be in attendance at the WCQ, which will start on November 24 against Japan.
“Well-known naman ang mga Pilipino — kahit saan ka magpunta lagi nandoon yung suporta nila,” said the 30-year-old, who started campaigning with the National Team back in 2009.
“I’m gonna expect that there are still gonna be Filipinos who will support us. We’ll just find inspiration the way we can.”
And ultimately, Aguilar is optimistic that he and his brothers-at-arms will be able to endure all the hardships and adversities that will be brought upon by the home-and-away games.
“I trust my teammates,” shared the six-foot-nine Aguilar, who has been a part of the Gilas program since 2009. “We’re doing what needs to be done.
“Basta ako, I’m making sure na I want to be in the best shape as possible.”
