Board okays Japeth return to Gilas five

source: Nelson Beltran | philstar.com

Japeth Aguilar has returned to the Smart Gilas fold, cleared to play for the RP developmental team after being traded by the Burger King Whoppers.

Aguilar rejoined the RP hopefuls yesterday with no less than three PBA teams getting involved in the deal.

With the season having just started, Burger King, Talk n Text and Barako Bull figured in a trade deal paving the way for Aguilar’s return to Smart Gilas.

“I made the deal with clearance from the other members of the PBA board. I think this is the best solution to this problem,” said Burger King top official and PBA board chairman Lito Alvarez.

Burger King released Aguilar and Orly Daroya for two future first round picks each by Talk n Text (2013 and 2014) and Barako Bull (2010 and 2012).

Barako Bull agreed to be the third party in the BK-Talk n Text deal being recipient earlier of TnT reserves Yousif Aljamal and Gilbert Lao. Added to the Energy Boosters’ lineup was Daroya as a result of the latest development.

Talk n Text made the biggest sacrifice in giving away two future first round picks to bring Aguilar over to Smart Gilas.

Part of the condition is that Aguilar will not be allowed to play for Talk n Text until after completing a three-year duty with the RP team.

“Why keep him (Aguilar) when his mindset is not in it (playing for Burger King),” Alvarez added.

Alvarez announced the closure to the Aguilar case after the controversial player suited up and played one game with the Whoppers in the PBA season-opening game which they lost to the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants.

“Masyado kaming binigyan ng problema ng player na ito (We’re given so much problem by this guy),” said Alvarez of Aguilar who made himself available for the 2009 draft only to turn his back on the league later on.

Meanwhile, Talk n Text top official Ricky Vargas said they came up with the best solution with the guidance of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan.

“Mr. Manny Pangilinan instructed us to find an acceptable solution and resolve the impasse. To quote him, ‘Be part of the solution and not the problem,’” said Vargas.

“The agreement could never have been possible without the willingness of Burger King team owner Mr. Bert Lina and PBA chairman and Mr.Alvarez who, despite losing the services of Aguilar, put their overriding interest in helping the Smart Gilas national team above all else. Talk N’ Text could do no less, in fairness to the nine other teams in the PBA,” Vargas added.

PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios cleared the trade, giving Aguilar the go-signal to return to Smart Gilas.

Aguilar suits up with Smart Gilas as it starts its guest stint in the Philippine Cup curiously against Burger King Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Games on Wednesday (Araneta Coliseum)
5:00 p.m. — Alaska vs Barako Bull
7:30 p.m. — Ginebra vs San Miguel