I want to play for RP, Aguilar says joining PBA draft a mistake

source: Waylon Galvez | mb.com.ph

Celebrated amateur Japeth Aguilar Monday said he wants to play for Smart-Gilas national team and is ready to face a possible lifetime ban from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Aguilar, the 22-year-old son of former PBA player Peter, said he’s sorry that he can’t sign up with Burger King, the team that made him the top pick in the recent PBA Rookie Draft.

“I mean... probably it was a mistake (to join the PBA draft),” the 6-foot-10 Aguilar said in press conference held at the Kamayan Restaurant in EDSA. “I’m sorry (to Burger King and the PBA) for my decision.”

Aguilar’s change of heart has drawn a sharp rebuke from Burger King representative and incoming PBA chairman Lito Alvarez who wants the former Blue Eagle banned for life from the league.

“If that’s their decision, wala ako magagawa. Kung ban ako siguro sa national team na lang ako mag-lalaro (in the future),” said Aguilar who was accompanied by sports columnist Ronnie Nathanielz.

Aguilar said his decision to stay as amateur had nothing to do with his limited playing time in the recent FIBA-Asia championship in Tianjin, China.

“Sa puso ko talaga, ‘yun talaga ang gusto ko. I don’t know what my critics are saying,” Aguilar said. “But after graduating, gusto ko talaga maglaro for my country. I already consulted my family and they are supporting me.”

His parents, Peter and Josephine, are based in Chicago, Illinois.

Money is not an issue, according to Aguilar.

After his stint in Tianjin, Aguilar said he realized that he can improve more playing international basketball as a member of the national team.

The Smart-Gilas squad, mentored by Serbian Rajko Toroman, is slated to play a number of international tournaments leading up to its goal of qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics.

Aguilar had turned down the offer of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) similar to the three-year, P8.7 million deal from Burger King.

But Nathanielz, who represents Aguilar, said he expects the SBP to renew its offer.

There is no provision in the PBA charter banning a player for refusing to sign up with the team that drafted him, according to Nathanielz.

Nathanielz said that if the league amends its by-laws and constitution, “it’s not retroactive.”

The veteran columnist-turned agent said there are remedies to the issue.

He said that Aguilar can sit out the first year, and Burger King can renegotiate after the season. If there’s no deal, he can sit out anew in the second year and then renegotiate at the end of the season.

If again the two camps fail to reach an agreement, the player becomes eligible for the 2012 PBA Rookie Draft.

Aguilar was set to fly to the United States last night to visit his parents as well as fiancée Jessica Magley, who he plan to marry next year.

The two met at Western Kentucky University, where Aguilar played the last three years. Magley, who stands 5-foot-11, also played college ball.

Aguilar said playing in the PBA after his stint with the national team remains an option. He’s also eyeing a possible stint in the Euro league or the NBA developmental league.

Aguilar is hoping that the PBA will allow him to play for Smart-Gilas in the coming PBA season.

Alvarez and Burger King coach Yeng Guiao could not be reached for comment. Calls to PBA Commissioner Sonny Barrios were not answered.