After winning gold in the 19th Asian Games two years ago, Japeth Aguilar officially announced his retirement from national team duties.
Yet, true to his reputation as a loyal soldier for the country, the 6-foot-9 big man could never turn his back on Gilas Pilipinas whenever called upon.
With Kai Sotto sidelined by an ACL injury, Tim Cone’s top choice to step in was none other than Aguilar. Beyond his size and length, Aguilar has mastered Cone’s system, having played under him for the past decade.
“Let me say something about Japeth — what a warrior. He didn’t want to come into this tournament, and I begged and begged him to join,” Cone revealed during Saturday’s episode of Noli Eala’s Power & Play. “I felt we didn’t have enough size to compete without Kai, so I begged him to come, and once again, he stepped up.
“His wife didn’t want him to come. There were all kinds of issues, yet he still stepped up and played,” Cone added.
“My hats off to Japeth. He answers the country’s call time and time again. I believe he’s already retired three times.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
During the Asia Cup 2025, Aguilar earned his 80th cap for the Philippines in FIBA competitions, marking his fifth appearance in the continental showpiece over a remarkable 16-year span. This doesn’t even include his numerous appearances in the Southeast Asian and Asian Games.
Now, with Quentin Millora-Brown officially recognized as a local, Cone finally has someone who can take Aguilar’s place in the national pool.
“With QMB, we have a guy we can slot right in there,” said Cone.
The winningest coach in PBA history is confident Millora-Brown will adapt seamlessly to his system, just as fellow young bigs Kai Sotto and AJ Edu have in their first two years under his watch.
“This team we’ve put together — we’ve never had AJ and Kai together, not even in practice. Now, we have the chance to see that in the future, and adding Quentin to that mix is something we can really build on,” Cone explained.
“I think he’ll fit well within our triangle system, and I believe he’s going to enjoy playing that role.”
