Two Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) governors defended the board’s decision of imposing a possible ban on controversial rookie Japeth Aguilar if ever the former Western Kentucky University player won’t come to terms with Burger King.
The Whopper made the 6-foot-9 Aguilar the No. 1 overall pick in last month’s annual rookie draft but the 22-year-old turned his back from the pro league and pursued a career playing for the Smart Gilas developmental team of Serbian coach Rajko Toroman.
Coca-Cola’s JB Baylon and Alaska’s Joaqui Trillo shared their assessments as to why the board came down hard on Aguilar.
“There’s what you called a verbal contract and a contract that bears mutual understanding by just simply shaking hands," said Baylon, who was team manager of the Powerade-Pilipinas men’s basketball team, the same squad where Aguilar played for in the FIBA Asia Championship and Jones Cup.
“Besides, Draft Day is a time where teams build around the future of its squad. Eventually, Burger King, which owns the no.1 pick, didn’t get that luxury of enjoying its top overall pick, who decided to turn his back on the team which picked him as well as the league as a whole."
Trillo, who was replaced by Lito Alvarez of Burger King as league chairman, shared Baylon’s views. “Burger King was shortchanged and that is not fair. The PBA has to stand for its rights and we will not allow anyone to make a mockery of its rules. Japeth will have to find a win-win situation. Otherwise, the PBA can do without him."
But Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) vice chairman and Talk ‘N Text’s PBA board member Ricky Vargas said that guest team Smart Gilas should be given the principle of choosing its players who will be fielded in the coming Philippine Cup, which opens on Oct. 11.
Vargas’ assessment was based upon the PBA board’s decision of not allowing Aguilar to suit up for Smart Gilas if he won’t come to terms with Burger King. “The principle here is that SBP should decide whether it still wants to play if the PBA dictates to them who should play or not play."
“It is not between Japeth and the PBA. Besides, Japeth is not yet a member of Smart Gilas. The best way here is that the PBA should talk to SBP privately."
Vargas said that as guest team, Smart Gilas should be given the authority in choosing the players who will compose its squad in its participation in the PBA.
Aguilar, who played Wednesday with the Smart Gilas in a tune up game against the Singapore Slingers in Singapore, refused to sign the three-year P8.7 million maximum offer of Burger King.
Smart Gilas defeated the Slingers, 70-67, with Aguilar scoring 14 points to back up CJ Giles’ 21-point performance. (click here for SMART GILAS vs. SINGAPORE SLINGERS PHOTOS AND VIDEO CLIPS)
Being barred from playing for Smart Gilas in the Philippine Cup could be one of the sanctions Aguilar might face as a penalty.
The PBA, as its way of helping the national team program of the SBP, agreed to accommodate the Smart Gilas as a guest team.
Aside from Giles and Aguilar, other members of Smart Gilas are college standouts Chris Tiu, JV Casio, Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael and Dylan Ababou.
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