Japeth Aguilar is looking to suit up for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals after incurring an untimely Achilles heel injury back in their quarterfinal series against rivals Meralco Bolts.
Aguilar missed the Gin Kings’ semifinal opener against the top-seeded Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Sunday night. The 6-foot-9 forward, who averaged 17.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game prior, was still in attendance at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“Hopefully, tutal may games pa naman… Titignan ko,” the nine-year pro said.
Aguilar admitted that his current injury has caused him worse pain than having a hurt ankle, so much that he decided not to play through it to prevent aggravating his Achilles heel, which was initially diagnosed with a partial tear.
“Kahit jumpshot nga medyo sumasakit siya.
“Usually, nakakalaro naman ako. Ever since, kapag natatapilok ako, continue lang ako maglaro pero this one, may pain siya sa Achilles. Hindi ko na talaga pinilit,” he disclosed.
Luckily, the Gin Kings stepped up in his absence by putting up an impressive 102-89 victory to post a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
“Parang everything is falling to place,” Aguilar beamed. “Talagang nag-struggle kami in the beginning ng season pero ngayon, everyone is playing in a high level. Magandang timing para sa amin yung teamwork namin.
“Bad timing lang for me kasi na-injury pa ako.”
