Japeth Aguilar walked off the court at the Philsports Arena on a productive night with a calm smile — the kind that spoke more of quiet relief than triumph.
His stat line was telling: 17 points, 10 rebounds, and a commanding presence that lifted Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to a 92-77 win over TNT Tropang 5G in the PBA Philippine Cup.
But for Aguilar, it wasn’t just about numbers. It was about reclaiming rhythm, regaining trust in his body, and rediscovering his flow after months of uncertainty.
“Nagkaroon ako ng opportunity this week to really practice with the team,” Aguilar shared. “In this system, kailangan talaga namin ng practice time together.”
It’s been a slow road back for the 6-foot-9 forward, who underwent surgery on his left hand during the offseason. The injury kept him away from the action — and away from the familiar grind that defines Ginebra’s heart-and-hustle identity.
Now, with the PBA celebrating its 50th season, Aguilar finds himself not just returning, but rebuilding.
Finding Rhythm Again
When you’ve spent a career soaring above the rim, sitting on the sidelines can feel like a cage. Aguilar admits that patience was the hardest part of recovery.
“Ang mahirap lang sa surgery ko, time ‘yong nasa equation,” he said. “Kailangan ko ng time para mag-heal ‘yong surgery.”
Time — and chemistry.
“So, as much as possible, I wanted to be with the guys in practice because dini-develop pa namin ang synergy naming first group, our chemistry,” Aguilar explained. “Nagkaroon na ako ng chance to play with it and to adjust.”
And it showed. Ginebra came out firing against TNT, storming to a 33-16 lead in the first quarter, powered by Aguilar, Troy Rosario, and Stephen Holt, who combined for 18 points early. By halftime, the Gin Kings were firmly in control, 45-30.
It wasn’t just Aguilar finding his groove. RJ Abarrientos, still recovering from the flu, chipped in 14 points. Rosario notched his own double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Even with Scottie Thompson, Holt, and Norbert Torres playing below their usual standards, Ginebra’s balance was enough to overwhelm TNT. Peter Atencio
“They kinda came back in the game and settled it down, and got us moving forward,” said head coach Tim Cone, pleased with the way his squad responded to early-season adjustments.
Those adjustments were necessary. The Gin Kings had just parted ways with veterans Maverick Ahanmisi and Aljon Mariano in a trade with Terrafirma Dyip for a first-round draft pick. The shake-up meant new roles, new chemistry, and a need for leaders like Aguilar to reestablish stability.
The Long Game
For Aguilar, the victory was more than just Ginebra’s first of the conference. It was proof that his comeback wasn’t a dream — it was happening, one game at a time.
He knows the road ahead is still long. The Gin Kings are a team in transition, and he’s a veteran fighting to return to peak form. But the signs are promising.
His movements are smoother, his timing sharper. His confidence — once guarded — is slowly returning.
And if history has shown anything, it’s that Japeth Aguilar’s quiet determination often precedes something spectacular.
