Japeth returns after catching his breath

MANILA, Philippines — Japeth Aguilar can breathe easy now that he’s back on active duty for quarterfinals-bound Barangay Ginebra.

“It was nice to be out there with my teammates,” the 6-foot-9 veteran said after playing his comeback game in a 93-86 win over TNT at the close of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations. “Parang preparation na rin for the playoffs.”

Aguilar spent two weeks recovering from “pneumomediastinum” or air between his lungs. He sustained the lung-related condition after a hard fall during Ginebra’s 115-108 win over Blackwater last April 24, forcing him out of three matches.

Finally getting medical clearance, the Ginebra stalwart was deployed in a starter’s role last Sunday, going up against the Tropang 5G’s fancied import Bol Bol at that.

The Gin Kings consciously helped Aguilar get warmed up, even going to him in their first play of the duel, where he tried to attack Bol but lost the leather.

“Thankful na rin ako ganon lang nangyari na hindi naman masyadong malala. It’s a privilege na makalaro ulit,” he added.