AS Japeth Aguilar retires, he leaves Gilas Pilipinas behind on a winning note, cherishing the memories that he had with the Philippine national men’s basketball team after playing 82 matches.
The 38-year-old Aguilar’s final game came after Team Philippines won a masterful 95-71 smashing of Guam on Monday night in Window 1 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers at the Blue Eagle gym in Quezon City.
His presence yielded three points for himself as he tried to help control the boards with one of the team’s new player, another big man in Quentin Millora-Brown.
Gilas went on to post a two-game sweep of Guam, which they earlier beat, 82-46, on Friday at the Calvo Fieldhouse in Guam.
“Ang dami kong memories. ‘Yung samahan, ‘yung training camps, at iyung process and progress to build the team,” said Aguilar of the things he will miss with Gilas.
In Aguilar’s departure, the 6’10” Millora-Brown will take his place as an backup to slotmen Kevin Quiambao and Kai Sotto, who returns to injury in February.
Gilas played before a big hometown crowd which showed up at the Ateneo de Manila campus, and they provided inspiration for Gilas to demolish Guam that night.
Gilas coach Tim Cone said they weren’t 100 percent when they played. Peter Atencio
“We didn’t play our best game tonight. But we took care of business,” remarked Cone.
Justin Brownlee once again led Gilas, this with 20 points and five rebounds, while Dwight Ramos drilled in 19 points and seven boards for Gilas, which led from the start to finish.
Cone felt the importance of their double victory with Guam, as the Philippines is now in a share of the lead with Australia in Group A.
“Before the start of the game, we knew how crucial this win is. Whether it’s a one-point win, a 20-point win, or a 40-point win. I really didn’t except that we won,” added Cone.
This put the Philippines in a share of the lead with Australia in Group A.
The Philippines will next meet New Zealand in their next clash on Feb. 26.
Over at Wellington, the Australian Boomers drew 21 points from Keanu Pinder in their 79-77 win over New Zealand. Peter Atencio
