Aguilar hurt by coach’s snub in FIBA tilt?

source: Waylon Galvez | mb.com.ph

Japeth Aguilar remained unheard from after reports circulated that 6-foot-10 former Ateneo Blue Eagle who was drafted first overall in the recent PBA draft by Burger King might dump his team Burger King and join the all-amateur Smart-Gilas national development team of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

The report was triggered by his refusal to sign a contract with Burger King which has offered him the maximum P8.7-million over three years.

The reason, according to sources, is not about money. Rather, it was the way he was treated by the Philippine team coaching staff headed by Yeng Guiao during the FIBA-Asia championship in China.

If this were true, it would be ironic since it was Guiao who insisted on Burger King management to take him as No. 1 overall pick.

Aguilar, who has been courted heavily by both the PBA and the SBP, was said to be unhappy over his limited playing time during the FIBA-sponsored tournament.

Calls to Aguilar to confirm the reports were not answered. Burger King official and PBA chairman Lito Alvarez and coach Yeng Guiao also could not be reached for comment.

SBP executive-director Noli Eala said they have not been in contact with the Western Kentucky University standout, although he had said earlier that the SBP door is wide open for Aguilar.

“We have no comment on that,” Eala said. “We have not talked to Japeth, or his father Peter (Aguilar), or his representatives.”

A number of prized rookies have signed contracts with their respective teams, including Rico Maierhofer of Purefoods and Jervy Cruz of Rain or Shine.

Aguilar had been offered a three-year deal by the SBP to join Smart-Gilas before the draft, but he opted to join the PBA last August 1.

In the event he does not sign with Burger King, Aguilar, will be barred from playing with any PBA ballclub, but he can play with any other team outside of the PBA.