Japeth Aguilar respects the decision of his good friend Greg Slaughter to take a break from basketball.
The 7-foot center took to social media platform Instagram last February 8 and announced that he would take a break “to be able to work on myself on all aspects” following the expiration of his contract.
His announcement left many in shock, including Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and its legions of fans.
“Kung ‘yun ‘yung naging decision niya… Kilala ko naman si Greg, I’m friends with him for so long,” Aguilar said.
“Whatever he’s going through, siyempre alam niya kung anong mas makakabuti sa kanya.”
The Gin Kings returned to work for the upcoming PBA season on Wednesday at the Upper Deck Sports Center, and life without the former Best Player of the Conference has now begun.
Aguilar admitted that it will be tough for the Barangay this season without Slaughter in tow.
“For sure, mas mahirap,” said Aguilar, who first played with the Cebuano giant in the pioneering Gilas Pilipinas batch.
Ginebra’s twin towers are no more following Slaughter’s departure. So for Aguilar, he will simply be ready for whatever role the coaches will entrust him with.
“Kailangan kong harapin kung anuman yung magiging role ko this coming All-Filipino conference,” said the versatile 6-foot-9 forward, who was last season’s Governors’ Cup Finals Most Valuable Player.
And of course, he’s calling on his fellow Gin Kings to remain prepared as well while they head towards the new season.
“May tiwala naman ako sa mga coaching staff. May pinaplano na siguro sila. Kailangan ready lang not only me but kaming lahat.”
