Reyes, Black score Japeth on playing time issue

MANILA, Philippines - Former Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes and current TnT bench chieftain Norman Black have the same message for discontented player Japeth Aguilar: “Playing time is earned, not demanded.”

The two coaches made the statement in reaction to the declaration of Aguilar, through his Manila-based agent, that he wants out of Talk n Text because of playing time issue.

And if ever they grant Aguilar’s wish to be traded, Black said it would be to the best interest of the team.

But, first, Black said the disgruntled player has to show up. “Then before anything, I’ll ask Japeth what he wants to do,” said Black.

The multi-titled coach said any team would always have a place for “a 6-foot-9 player who can jump out of the gym.”

“But then he has a lot of catching up to do. He has to catch up quick, then he gets the playing time,” Black pointed out. “You don’t put the cart before the horse. He has to earn it.”

“It’s not good to publicly demand to be traded, especially due to playing time, especially when your team just won the title. This smacks of selfishness,” Reyes, meanwhile, posted on his Twitter account.

Aguilar flew to the United States and tried his luck there at the end of his contract with Talk n Text last season. He’s now considering to come back to the PBA after failing to make the grade in the NBA D-League.

Having dangled a contract-extension deal to Aguilar, the Texters kept the signing rights or rights of first refusal on the former West Kentucky U player.

Globalport has sent feelers that it is keen on a trade deal with Talk n Text involving Aguilar.

“But how can you trade someone who’s not here?” said Black.

“No trades,” said TnT team manager Aboy Castro.

“We’ve been in this situation for the last five months. We won our third straight All-Filipino title without him, so why rock the boat?” Castro added.