Japeth Aguilar Is Finally With Smart Gilas

The longest running basketball soap opera known as Japeth Aguilar is now solved! A week ago, many were shocked when Aguilar signed a one-year contract with Burger King but some experts already know what's going on. They reckon Japeth will sign with BK and will be traded to Talk N Text. It is actually one of the proposals fans came up when the hullabaloo broke out two months ago. So, it has come to fruition. Now, we waiting for the trade. Red Bull will allegedly act as the third party as direct trade between sister teams is not allowed in the Philippine Basketball Association. What will happen then? Talk N Text will release Japeth Aguilar, then he will be free to play for his favorite team, the Smart Gilas. No, this is the last part of Japeth Aguilar's long journey.

This is what I said back in August:
Remember this person - Manny V. Pangilinan. He owns Smart Gilas team and has shares in Burger King. He WILL sort this thing out. For an accomplished business executive, this conflict is nothing new to him. He will solve this crisis, most likely behind the scenes. Trust me. Everything will turn out fine in the end.

MVP convinced Japeth to sign the contract with BK as the young man is at fault too. I think MVP assured Aguilar that in the end he will get to play for Smart Gilas so he signed the contract and ta-da his dream of playing for his country is now fulfilled. In conclusion, the plan SAVED THE FACES OF EVERYONE! Congratulations to the person who came up with the plan! Why didn't they do this much earlier? There was so much vitriol thrown around because of this mess. *sigh*

Japeth Aguilar: Smart Gilas- Burger King

Japeth Aguilar's saga is not yet over. Oh my! Japeth Aguilar, the 6-10 Western Kentucky University alumni, now wants to join Smart Gilas after participating in the Philippine Basketball Association draft weeks ago. As a result, he became the no.1 draft pick (by Burger King Whoopers). Now, most people thought Japeth's going to sign the contract but he didn't and instead expressed his intention to join the national team.Japeth could have made his life a lot easier if he'd only stuck with Smart Gilas Basketball. Oh well, luckily for Japeth, no contract was signed. As far as I know, the team and the draftee should work out the contract (negotiate terms) for specified number of days and if nothing happened the player will become a free agent. There are people who say even three years from now, Burger King will still own the rights to Japeth and he can't sign with any professional team without their approval. I don't know about that since PBA rules aren't posted in cyberspace where we can verify it ourselves unlike the National Basketball Association rules.

There were many cases of players who got drafted but wasn't offered a contract but I hadn't heard of no.1 pick refusing to play for the team that drafted him. Some people cite Victor Pablo and the Coke guy but I'm not familiar with their cases. I don't want to comment on them.

Points To Consider:
What Japeth Aguilar did really surprised me but legally speaking as long as he hadn't signed any contract, he has no obligation just like a Philippine Basketball Association team is has no obligation to hire its draftees.

Aguilar should've seriously considered his options. Now, he finds himself in a controversy that is avoidable. His reputation is taking a beating.

When I was in college I was taught nobody can force you to work if you don't want to or it will be tantamount to involuntary servitude and is unconstitutional.

In fairness to BK, they said they will allow Japeth to play for Smart Gilas. If Japeth talked personally to Burger King owners, I think this fiasco could have been prevented as long as they make a deal that would benefit both parties. We Filipinos are good in sorting things out through heart to heart talk.

Why the sudden change of heart?

When I returned home after graduating from Western Kentucky University it was mainly because I wanted the chance to play for the Philippines in the FIBA Asia Championships and feel the pride that comes from playing for my country.

Unfortunately it didn’t go too well. But having seen first hand what it was like, how the teams from the Middle-East played and the system they followed, I felt the challenge to try again and to take them on, confident that we could surely do better the next time with hard work, dedication and the willingness to sacrifice and learn.

I am prepared to do just that. My father Peter who also played for the Northern Consolidated national team wants me to do that and so do the other members of our family.

The only way I can achieve this goal is by playing for the Smart Gilas development team under coach Rajko Toroman provided of course that they accept me since I had initially decided to enter the PBA Annual Draft.

I am confident that they will.

The experience of Tinajin, China, opened my eyes and told me that if I truly want to help my country in international basketball I will have to sacrifice a career in the pro league with all the glamour and all the perks, and join the national pool for the present time.

I will always be grateful to coach Yeng Guiao for the opportunity he gave me to play for the Philippines, Powerade Team Filipinas manager JB Baylon and PBA Commissioner Sonny Barrios for their kindness, understanding and support.

I wish to extend my deep sense of gratitude to coach Yeng, Burger King team owner Mr. Bert Lina and team manager and PBA chairman Lito Alvarez for their confidence in my ability by making me their No.1 draft pick.

I trust they will understand that my desire to play for my country means more to me and my family than anything else.

I have made the choice with my family’s blessings and encouragement.

I hope and pray that my countrymen will support me in the effort to help strengthen the Philippine Team in its continuing quest for respect and redemption in international basketball.
SGD. Japeth Aguilar

bleachersbrew

The controversy led many people to unfairly judge Japeth Aguilar. Unfortunately, most of them are misinformed. Why are they so angry? Remember this person - Manny V. Pangilinan. He owns Smart Gilas team and has shares in Burger King. He WILL sort this thing out. For an accomplished business executive, this conflict is nothing new to him. He will solve this crisis, most likely behind the scenes. Trust me. Everything will turn out fine in the end.


Update: 9 -1 -09

Since we can't check the PBA rules online we are left in the dark. Now it turns out if a draftee refuses to sign the contract, he will have to sit out for two years and in the third year he becomes a free agent. There's no rule about banning. It will look bad to the public if the PBA bans Japeth for it will look like the league is forcing the young man to sign his contract. You ban someone because he doesn't want to sign a contract? How will it look it to the public? Worse, fans would question the fairness of the league. A PBA team HAS NO LIABILITY if it doesn't sign the player it drafted but it is not the same when the players won't. It will be a public relations nightmare and put the spotlight on the league. Burger King still has the rights to Japeth though for two years. I think it would be better if the sides try to settle this PRIVATELY and not talk to each other in the press.

Update 9 - 2 - 09
When a PBA team dumps a draftee, it's called a business decision when it's the other way around the draftee is called unprofessional. Yes, I know PBA teams spend millions but is this fair? One thing we Filipinos hate is inequality.

I still don't understand Japeth's decision-making. There must be something wrong with the contract Burger King offered to him. This is the root of the controversy anyway.

Japeth Aguilar Heading To The PBA / SBP Matched PBA's Offer But To No Avail

Just to complete my Japeth Aguilar series, as all of you know by now he is going to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) - that's his decision and we will respect that. It doesn't matter what motivated him -- he made his decision. We are just observers and we can't possibly tell him what to do. Most hardcore basketball fans want Japeth Aguilar to join Smart Gilas as they want him to hone his skills under the expert tutelage of Rajko Toroman. The Serbian is credited for developing Hamed Haddadi of Iran who made it to the NBA. Those fans expect Toroman to do the same with Japeth.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas did its best to lure Japeth Aguilar to the national team (in other countries it's the opposite just ask David Beckham). According to a Manila Bulletin report dated July 22 bylined by Waylon Galvez "Smart-Gilas under Serbian coach Rajko Toroman, has offered a three-year deal to Aguilar, who, if he had agreed, would have a similar contract to a PBA rookie. He played several games with Gilas in the US few months back." Let it be known that Smart Gilas is willing to pay more for talent and is not bound to any salary cap as long as the player is worth it.

Some are still begging Japeth Aguilar to reconsider. Forget it. The guy made his decision. There are plenty of talented local big men: Junmar Fajardo (will join Gilas), Greg Slaughter, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, and even Ian Sangalang the former RP youth player (6-6 or 6-7). All they need is a competent trainer who will equip them with basketball skills needed to excel in international play. Rajko Toroman is the man for that as long as they do their part too. There is hope after all. Some people will say, "But Japeth plays differently from those you mentioned!" Yes I know but what can we do? Japeth is turning pro - we have to make use of what we have.

My message to Japeth Aguilar is ---Congratulations for making it to the PBA! He's not yet officially drafted but we know it's a no-brainer - he'll be in the PBA.

Smart Gilas is losing many talented cagers. It's disturbing. Why? Our country's talent pool is not that BIG.

Japeth Aguilar Invited To NBDL

According to insidesports.ph, Jim Kelly (Raptors' Director of Player Personnel) invited Smart Gilas' new recruit Japeth Aguilar to the National Basketball Association Development League (NBDL) pre-draft camp on June 19 -21, 2009. This after Kelly watched Aguilar play in Las Vegas this week esp. when he led the country to victory against Las Vegas Aczes. This is great news of course! Being invited alone is already tough that means Jim Kelly sees Japeth Aguilar's potential. I have no illusions --- getting into the NBA is HARD. I've seen other talented players not getting into the league for one reason or another but if Japeth Aguilar works hard, thinks positive, and prays hard we might make it. But right now he has to attend the camp first and strut his stuff. Remember it was Japeth's dream to play in the NBA that motivated him to fly 8,000 miles and play college ball in the US.

Chris Lutz, Sean Anthony and Japeth Aguilar were chosen in the Las Vegas camp organized by SBP. When will they play for the country? Until all papers and their commitments in college are over and in order.

I saw a video of Smart Gilas match against IMPACT and I saw Japeth leading the attack. As usual, Barroca is fast. This team has great potential.

Japeth Aguilar Update: He Will Play for Yeng Guiao's Team Pilipinas

Japeth Aguilar will most likely play for Yeng Guiao-coached Team Pilipinas. I think he will be a great addition to the team provided he passes the tryout. He is tall and agile unlike most big men in the country. The PBA Team Pilipinas has many problems recently - reports of players skipping practices and one player allegedly wanting out. I think this news is a huge morale booster to the fans of the Nationals. Japeth's father Peter Aguilar - a former pro himself - has already committed his son to play for Guiao's team according to internet reports.

There are fans who would like to see Japeth Aguilar play for Toroman's squad but I think it is impossible now. Rajko Toroman's squad needs a tall forward which is Japeth's position in Western Kentucky University basketball team. Japeth is even invited to play in Europe! Wow! It would have been nice if he tries that option out even for a year. But PBA is the safer choice. However, the quality of basketball is low. No, I'm not dissing the PBA that's the reality. The competition isn't top notch at least compared to the European leagues. We know where Rudy Fernandez, Manu Ginobili, and Pau Gasol honed their skills.

Despite that, I still admire Japeth Aguilar. There are still people bitter about his move to the United States but he chose the road less traveled, so to speak. If it weren't for his injuries, we would have seen a much improved Japeth.

Team Pilipinas update:

SBP Team Pilipinas (Smart Gilas) defeated Smart Pampanga 98 - 95 in the exhibition match prior to the Manila Leg of the 2009 Smart Liga Pilipinas Conference II. Smart Gilas held a PBA team to a draw weeks ago. This team composed of amateur standouts is doing well against so-called professionals.

Rico Maierhoffer, Ogie Menor and Marcy Arellano rejected the contracts offered by SBP.

SBP Team Pilipinas will play in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup on May 12 - 20, 2009. The tourney is a qualifying event for World Champions Cup where the best basketball club teams in the world will play (except the NBA). Our team will reportedly tap the services of Chris Taft, a 6-10 former NBA player as reinforcement. Right now the squad is practicing SIX DAYS A WEEK. They want to win the tournament and represent Asia in the World Champions Cup. I admire these kids.

“The World Champions Cup will feature strong teams from Euro League, South America and Australia and it’s a big opportunity for this team to play the best teams in the world." Rajko Toroman explains.

The Philippines has won the FIBA Asia Champions Cup four times!


Update April 29, 2009
Much to the delight of Smart Gilas fans, Japeth Aguilar is now with the SBP team. Two days ago, he led the country to a victory over a Las Vegas team as import CJ Giles didn't play due to injury. Gian Chiu is also practicing with the team.

Asians in US NCAA Basketball; Japeth Aguilar and Jeremy Lin

The US NCAA basketball season is just around the corner and I often wondered how many Asians are playing in the league. I did some research and it turns out there are many. Almost all ethnic grouping represented Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Cambodian. I don't mean half-breeds but FULL-BLOODIED members of their community. Asian basketball players (in US NCAA men's basketball tournament) aren't getting enough media attention so I decided to feature some of them:


Japeth Aguilar
College: Western Kentucky University
Height:6-9
Weight: 210 lbs
Position: Forward (according to Hilltopper.com)
Year: Senior

Japeth Aguilar played College ball in the Philippines for two years but dreamed of bigger things. His dream is to play in the NBA and one way he could do that is to get improve his basketball skills and raise his level of play. Only the United States could offer that.

Here's Bill Velasco - Philippine Star November 12, 2007 report:

When Japeth was playing for the Blue Eagles, his father, 6’5” former Ginebra center Peter, put together a highlight reel of his son’s slam dunks, blocked shots and offensive exploits. He sent the DVD to a Bradley alumnus, who circulated it. Bradley then contacted Japeth, and flew him to Chicago. However, the school had run out of athletic scholarships.

Undaunted, the fleet-footed Japeth joined a camp in Chicago, and drew the attention of many college scouts. Narrowing his choices down to four, Japeth eventually settled on Western Kentucky, because he liked the system they used. It was a big leap for the gangling player.


He attended an evaluation camp in Illinois and soon attracted NCAA schools such as Bradley, Loyola, South Dakota State, Niagara, and Middle Tennessee State according to Scout.com. Japeth chose Western Kentucky University under Darrin Horn. Japeth Aguilar is the first homegrown Filipino talent recruited and played in US NCAA division I basketball.

In his first two games for the Hilltoppers last year, Japeth Aguilar he had 8 points 8 rebounds 4 blocked shots 3 Assists and 2 steals. He got injured during practice after the Kentucky-Wesleyan game and unfortunately missed the rest of the season including WKU spectacular victory over Drake University.

“When he was injured, he lost his spot in the rotation. I don’t understand why Coach Darrin Horn didn’t put him back in the line-up.” Peter Aguilar told Bill Velasco of Philstar.com. Japeth's job is to come off the bench and defend. It's just too bad about the injury.

Aguilar was used by Horn as a defensive specialist. WKU has a new coach and I'm hoping Aguilar could fit the new system and gets to play.

On Aguilar's injury: Bill Velasco March 31, 2008

This season, Aguilar had bulked up, improved his ballhandling and shooting, and worked his way to becoming the first player of the bench for the Toppers. But late last year, he started feeling pain in his right foot. Doctors discovered a stress fracture, and Aguilar was sidelined for two months.

The good news is that the Hilltoppers have asked Aguilar to stay another year.

“When they found out Japeth was injured, they appealed to him to use another year of his eligibility, so he’ll play until 2010,” the elder Aguilar confirmed.

Man, I hope this time...things would be better.




Jeremy Lin
School: Harvard University
Height: 6-2
Weight: 180 lbs
Position: Guard
Year: Junior

Accomplishments:

• Named in All Ivy League Second Team last season (the only one from Harvard)Started in all 30 games for Harvard
• One of the statistical leaders in points, assists, shooting percentage, and leads the Ivy League in steals.
• Jeremy Lin averaged 12.6 points and 3.6 assist per game last year for the HARVARD Crimson.
  

Talk about student-athlete! Man, we are talking about Harvard University here - the No.1 University in the World.

I couldn't say much about Jeremy Lin since the Ivy League games don't reach our country. I think PAC 10 and ACC games are usually covered - since the best basketball programs in College are usually found in those conferences.

Not bad for a race stereotyped as non-athletic, I expect more Asians to play in US NCAA basketball tournament. China is anxious to close the talent gap of its players from those abroad and one cost-effective way of doing it is to send its talented players to the US where they would get top-notch training and opposition and raise their level of play.

I hope more Filipino players follow Japeth Aguilar's path and try to play in US NCAA like the Chinese. Japeth Aguilar bulked up and he looks intimidating. In fact, Team Pilipinas under Coach Yeng Guiao has finally noticed him. He should get an invite for the national team tryouts.

This is not the end yet - I will feature more.


Update:
1-10-2009

Three days ago, Jeremy Lin powered Harvard Crimson to an 82 - 70 victory over no.17 Boston College. He had 27 points, 8 assists, 6 steals, 2 blocked shots and 3 rebounds to lead Harvard to its first victory ever over a ranked opponent. Crimson is now 8-6 definitely a much better record than their 8- 22 win-loss tally last season.


Sources:
http://westernkentucky.scout.com/a.z?s=468&p=2&c=560578
http://www.gocrimson.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=41038&SPID=3681&DB_OEM_ID=9000&ATCLID=1410680