Gilas Pilipinas’ Japeth Aguilar reunited with his former college teammate Orlando Mendez-Valdez during the Philippines’ friendly against Mexico ahead of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup last Monday.
Aguilar and Mendez-Valdez spent almost two years together during their time in Western Kentucky University in the US NCAA.
“I have always dreamt of this,” said the Ginebra big man before rushing to Mendez-Valdez, his roommate back in college, at the entrance of the Philsports Arena.
The recently-named captain of Gilas Pilipinas shared that he has been looking forward to reconnecting with the 37-year-old playmaker, who had been one of his closest friends back in his stint with the Hilltoppers.
“Nong nalaman ko na may tune-up kami, talagang nag-look forward na ‘ko na makita siya uli. Naging napakabait niya sa ‘kin nong nasa Western Kentucky kami.”
Mendez-Valdez sat out Mexico’s tune up match against Gilas but will suit up against Group D opponents Montenegro, Lithuania, and Egypt at the SM Mall of Asia Arena as they look to make a splash on the world stage after missing the previous edition.
Meanwhile, Aguilar and Gilas Pilipinas, slotted in Pool A, will face the Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena on Friday before taking care of business against Angola and Italy at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
When asked if he will meet up with his friend once the FIBA wars are over, Aguilar answered in the affirmative.
“Oo naman! Akala ko kasi sa Indonesia sila, yun pala sa MOA Arena. Sure yon, magkikita pa kami.”
