Japeth Aguilar plans to stay as healthy as he can be following an injury-riddled campaign in the recently-concluded Season 46 of the PBA.
The Ginebra forward realized the need to do just that after suffering a calf injury during the Governors’ Cup semis, which happened months after incurring a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain during the Philippine Cup.
“Di na rin tayo bumabata,” the 35-year-old said.
“Really need to take care of my body ’cause. you know, last conference ganun din nangyari.
“Am talking about All-Filipino. Riddled with injuries, so really need to work hard and focus on my body being healthy,” added the 12-year veteran.
Aguilar was out for six games after hurting his left calf during the Kings’ semis opener opposite NLEX. He only returned to action back in Game Four of their best-of-seven Finals affair with familiar foes Meralco just last week.
He even started for the Barangay in Game Six on Friday night, with Justin Brownlee, Christian Standhardinger, Scottie Thompson, and LA Tenorio. It was his first starting unit since their battle with the Road Warriors.
Photo by PBA Images
“Something na parang hindi na ako sanay,” he said. “‘Di na ako sanay mag-start ulit. ‘Yun. Basta ‘yung mindset ko lang, just to keep up in the game and stuff, so ayun.
“I mean, good thing my teammates have my back din.”
Aguilar played for nearly 11 minutes and only had two points, but felt extremely blessed as Ginebra beat its corporate rivals anew, 103-92, to rule the season-ending conference for the fourth time in the last six years.
The 2019 Governors’ Cup Finals MVP was glad to see the crowd darlings emerge as champs after what he described as a ‘roller-coaster’ season.
“Super roller-coaster ride ever since All-Filipino,” he offered moments after the match at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. “We tried to get our identity, we tried to get our rhythm, ayun. We just kept on persevering, until something clicked.”
“Never namin talaga in-expect na hahantong kami sa ganitong sitwasyon — in all honesty talaga. Never expected that we’re gonna be here with the struggles we had,” added Aguilar, who now owns seven PBA championships.
Now, he’s about to tread the road to full recovery as he looks forward to the next season, which will raise its curtains on June 5.
Photo by PBA Images
“I want to enjoy this moment,” said the second-generation cager.
“And then, looking forward to the next conference.”
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