Japeth fails to make grade, may rejoin TnT

MANILA, Philippines - Chances are Talk n Text will become more formidable with the possible return of Japeth Aguilar, who failed to make the lineup of the Santa Cruz Warriors for the coming NBA D-League season.

Aguilar has been cut but offered a job as practice player by Santa Cruz head coach Nate Bjorkgren.

According to Aguilar’s Manila-based agent Marvin Espiritu, the 6-foot-9 Filipino player had asked for time to study his options.

“Upbeat pa rin si Japeth kahit na-cut siya ng Warriors. Ang maganda ay na-develop siya. Hybrid forward siya dun eh (Japeth is still upbeat though cut by the Warriors. The good thing is that he improved. He’s a hybrid forward there),” said Espiritu in an interview by PTV-4.

Aguilar can opt to return to the PBA where there’s a spot waiting for him from his mother team Talk n Text.

TnT team manager Aboy Castro has said they’re in constant touch with Aguilar as they’re fully behind the player’s bid to be the first Filipino player to make the NBA.

Aguilar had the consent of the Smart/PLDT franchise as he tried out with several clubs in the US.

“We would have wanted to have an intact lineup but, at the same time, we’re behind Japeth in his pursuit of his dream,” said Castro.

There’s also a spot waiting for Aguilar in the Smart Gilas training pool should he decide to return to Manila.

 “He’s welcome in the national team. But just like everyone else, he has to earn his spot in the final lineup,” said national coach Chot Reyes. 

“And that means attending practice and tuneup tournaments – neither of which he can do if he’s not here,” Reyes added.