National team head coach Tim Cone has provided a clear update on the status of veteran big man Japeth Aguilar regarding his future with Gilas Pilipinas. While Aguilar has stepped back from active duty, Cone emphasized that the 38-year-old remains "on call" should the national team require his services.
Aguilar's Conditional Availability for Gilas
Coach Cone explained the specific scenario that would trigger a recall for the high-flying center. The plan is to rely on the current roster of big men, but if an injury or unforeseen circumstance occurs, the door is open for Aguilar's return. Cone highlighted Aguilar's unique physical gifts as the primary reason for keeping him in the contingency plan.
"If something happens to one of our bigs and we need another big to step in, we will continue to call him because he's a freak of nature," Cone stated in an interview published on the official PBA website. He further praised Aguilar's enduring athleticism, noting, "At 38 years old, he still jumps out of the gym, still plays at an extremely high level."
Focus on Family and Barangay Ginebra
For now, Japeth Aguilar is utilizing this period to spend quality time with his family. Furthermore, he can channel his full focus and energy into his commitments with the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). This arrangement allows the 6'9" player to manage his career and personal life while remaining a potential asset for the national squad.
Cone confirmed that Aguilar understands the situation and is prepared to answer the call if needed. "He knows that if we need him, he'll come back," the multi-titled coach affirmed. This setup provides Gilas Pilipinas with experienced insurance in the frontcourt as they prepare for upcoming international competitions.
