Japeth: Wecan pull off surprises

MANILA, Philippines — Not big on words, veteran big man Japeth Aguilar will let his action do the talking as he plays the role of Gilas Pilipinas’ team captain.

“Hindi ako masyado (by words), lead by example (instead),” said the 6-foot-10 Aguilar, who is set for his third FIBA Basketball World Cup stint along with frontline partner June Mar Fajardo.

Wiser at 36 than the WC debutante in 2014, Aguilar has also taken responsibility for taking youthful bigs Kai Sotto and AJ Edu under his wings.

“Pag may opportunity ako na may maituro kina AJ at Kai, nagbo-voice out din naman ako. (But generally), lead by example.”

The Ginebra star expressed confidence the current group can pull off surprises similar to the batch in Seville led by Jimmy Alapag.

“Marami time kami na mag-prepare, maganda. We’ve done everything we can. Feel ko, may laban,” he said.

Aguilar even believes the Clarkson-powered team he’s skippering is deeper compared to that of Alapag and Co.

“May samahan kami noong 2014, may samahan din naman kami ngayon. Pero talent-wise, I feel like mas talented ‘yung guys ngayon,” he said. “Pero siyempre, kailangan pa rin namin i-emulate ‘yung team namin noong 2014 kasi pag talagang nagtulungan kami sa loob ng court, may mararating.”

In the lead-up to the WC, the Gilas captain had a happy reunion with Mexico’s Orlando Mendez-Valdez, his college buddy.

Aguilar and Mendez-Valdez were roommates when the Pinoy high-leaper was with Western Kentucky University in the US NCAA from the 2006-07 season onwards.

It’s been years since the two last saw each other and when they met during the Gilas-Mexico tuneup Monday, Aguilar was so excited he rushed from the entrance of the PhilSports Arena toward the Mexican for a hug.