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Tag: Japeth Aguilar

  • “Thankful na rin ako kasi ganun lang yung nangyari”: Japeth Aguilar grateful to return before playoffs

    “Thankful na rin ako kasi ganun lang yung nangyari”: Japeth Aguilar grateful to return before playoffs

    The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel wrapped up their 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup elimination round campaign in impressive fashion, overcoming the TNT Tropang Giga, 93-86, on Sunday, May 10, at the historic Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The victory allowed the Gin Kings to secure third place in the standings with a solid 9-3 win-loss record, further strengthening their position as one of the top contenders heading into the playoffs. More importantly for Ginebra, the game also marked the much-anticipated return of veteran big man Japeth Aguilar, who had missed the team’s previous three games due to a lung-related condition suffered after a frightening fall during their April 24 matchup against the Blackwater Bossing.

     

    Aguilar’s return provided an emotional lift for the Gin Kings, who welcomed back one of the league’s most experienced frontcourt anchors just in time for the postseason push. Despite limited minutes, the 39-year-old veteran was immediately handed one of the toughest assignments possible — defending TNT import and former NBA player Bol Bol.

     

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    Bol continued to showcase the unique skill set that has made him one of the most intriguing imports in the conference, finishing with 33 points and 10 rebounds in another dominant offensive outing. Standing at 7-foot-2 with guard-like skills, Bol presented a difficult challenge for Ginebra’s defense throughout the contest.

     

    Speaking after the game, Aguilar admitted that facing a player with Bol’s rare combination of size and perimeter ability was unlike anything he had experienced before.

     

    “Tagal ko na sa maglalaro ng basketball. Na akala ko, you know, you have seen it all then. Biglang mag Bol Bol na ganoon. Tapos ganun yung skill, guard. Tinry ko makuha yung rhythm ko,” Aguilar said in a media interaction.

    Although visibly still working his way back into game condition, Aguilar managed to contribute six points and three rebounds in 15 minutes of action. More importantly, his presence provided additional rim protection, veteran leadership, and frontcourt depth as Ginebra prepares for the more physical playoff stage.

     

    Aguilar also opened up about the unusual medical condition that forced him to temporarily step away from basketball. The veteran center explained that the symptoms did not immediately manifest following the hard fall against Blackwater, making the situation even more unexpected.

     

    “Medyo delay yung effect. So, medyo nakalaro pa ako. Tapos, everything ano talaga. Parang sakto talaga yung panayari. Sakto, sinub ko ni coach Tim. Yung sinub ko ni coach Tim, dun na medyo. Basta ang daming term ng mga PT. Talaga parang medyo nagkulang yung oxygen sa ano ko. Medyo, nag-faint ako konti,” he added.

     

    The incident understandably raised concerns within the Ginebra camp, especially given Aguilar’s importance to the team’s interior defense and rebounding. However, the veteran confirmed that he was fully cleared by the team’s medical staff before returning to practice and eventually making his comeback against TNT.

     

    For Aguilar, simply being able to return to the floor before the playoffs was already a major relief. After spending weeks recovering and monitoring his condition, the former Gilas Pilipinas standout expressed gratitude that the injury did not become more serious.

     

    “Thankful na rin ako kasi ganun lang yung nangyari. Hindi naman masyado malala. Masaya ako nakaisang game ako before the playoffs. We are working hard para ready lang sa playoffs. Weird lang talaga yung nangyari. Ang dami kong bagsak sa career ko, pero first time yun,” Aguilar concluded.

     

    The victory over TNT also highlighted Ginebra’s ability to grind out wins against elite competition even while managing injuries and lineup adjustments throughout the conference. The team leaned on its trademark discipline, defensive execution, and veteran composure to close out the elimination round on a high note.

     

    With momentum now firmly on their side, the Gin Kings head into the quarterfinals carrying a crucial twice-to-beat advantage. They are set to face the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Friday, May 15, once again at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, where Ginebra hopes to continue its strong Commissioner’s Cup campaign and strengthen its bid for another PBA championship.

     

     

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  • Injury blow for Barangay Ginebra as Japeth Aguilar is sidelined with lung complication 

    Injury blow for Barangay Ginebra as Japeth Aguilar is sidelined with lung complication 

    The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel once again showed why they remain one of the premier franchises in the Philippine Basketball Association, overpowering the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 119–107, on Sunday, April 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The victory allowed the Gin Kings to continue their steady rise in the standings as the Commissioner’s Cup elimination round intensifies.

     

    Barangay Ginebra leaned on its star duo of Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos, who delivered another offensive masterclass. Brownlee led the charge with 35 points, showcasing his all-around brilliance and leadership, while Abarrientos provided a crucial scoring punch with 25 markers, keeping the pressure on the Titan defense throughout the contest. Their combined firepower proved too much for the Risers, particularly in the second half where Ginebra created enough separation to secure the win.

     

    Despite the convincing result, the Gin Kings had to navigate the game without veteran big man Japeth Aguilar, whose absence was felt in the paint. Aguilar was sidelined due to a lung issue and is currently recovering in the hospital after suffering a hard fall during Ginebra’s 115–107 victory over the Blackwater Bossing last weekend.

     

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    The team remains optimistic about Aguilar’s condition. He is expected to be discharged either Monday or Tuesday, though his return to game action remains uncertain. His injury has prompted concern given his importance to Ginebra’s interior defense and rebounding presence, but early indications suggest the situation is not life-threatening.

    Head coach Tim Cone addressed Aguilar’s status during the postgame press conference, admitting that even he is still trying to fully understand the medical details.

     

    “I really can’t tell you, I can’t even pronounce the words they were using. He basically has some air in his lungs and they had to take it out. There is a medical term for it, but I can’t tell you what it is,” Cone said.

     

    “I believe he is still in the hospital. We expect him to come out tomorrow or Tuesday. We don’t really know a timeframe in terms of when he will be back to the lineup and be ready to play, I think the first step is wait for him to leave the hospital.

     

    “He is out of danger and he is not serious apparently. I hope I’m telling you the right information, but that’s what I know so far. Hopefully, we will put a game plan together in terms of getting him back in the lineup,” he concluded.

     

    In Aguilar’s absence, Ginebra’s depth and system once again came to the fore. The team compensated with increased activity on both ends, relying on quick ball movement, perimeter shooting, and disciplined defense to neutralize any disadvantage inside. Their ability to adapt without one of their key veterans underscores the depth and championship pedigree that has defined the franchise for years.

     

    With momentum on their side, the Gin Kings will look to extend their winning run when they face the Meralco Bolts on Friday, May 1, once again at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The upcoming matchup presents another opportunity for Ginebra to solidify its position in the standings while continuing to adjust in the absence of Aguilar.

     

     

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  • Japeth Aguilar turns back the clock, becomes oldest MVP in PBA All-Star Game history

    Japeth Aguilar turns back the clock, becomes oldest MVP in PBA All-Star Game history

    Veteran high-flyer Japeth Aguilar proved that age is just a number as he delivered a spectacular performance to headline the 2026 PBA All-Star Game in Candon City.

     

    Celebrating his 10th appearance in the league’s annual midseason showcase, the 39-year-old Barangay Ginebra big man turned in a crowd-pleasing performance to power Solid North to a 147-142 victory over South on Sunday night at the Candon City Arena.

     

    Aguilar dazzled the fans with 29 points, highlighted by a flawless display in the dunk attempts where he converted all seven tries — each worth three points in the All-Star format.

     

    His final slam came with just 24 seconds remaining and effectively sealed the win for the North squad, extending its dominance in the exhibition to six straight victories over the South since the 2010 edition.

     

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    For his efforts, Aguilar was named the Most Valuable Player, making him the oldest player ever to capture the award in the history of the PBA All-Star Game.

     

    “I’m just enjoying this All-Star game,” said Aguilar.

     

    The achievement also gave Aguilar his third All-Star MVP recognition, though it marked his first time winning the honor outright.

     

    He previously shared the award with Arwind Santos in 2019 and with Robert Bolick in 2024.

     

    Aguilar’s latest accolade also came with a historical footnote. The veteran center surpassed the previous record held by Santos, who was 37 years old when he won the All-Star MVP in 2019.

     

    More than the numbers, Aguilar’s performance served as a reminder that even after nearly two decades in the league, the athletic big man can still rise above the rim — and the competition — when the spotlight shines brightest.

     

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