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Japeth Aguilar knows he’s surrounded by a new generation of Gilas Pilipinas talent — faster, deeper, and far more battle-tested than when he and June Mar Fajardo first wore the national colors. And instead of feeling overshadowed, the veteran big man says he’s simply grateful to still be part of the journey.
Aguilar couldn’t help but admire how today’s young core has grown with constant overseas stints, high-level training, and exposure to the international stage — something he and Fajardo rarely had during their early Gilas years. “The kids today have so much more exposure playing international basketball than June Mar and I ever did,” he said. “It’s good for them — it gives them confidence when they come back to the country.”
He pointed to Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao, AJ Edu, and RJ Abarrientos as prime examples of young Filipinos who have already logged big minutes abroad and absorbed different basketball cultures. “They know the atmosphere, the differences in international basketball. That counts for a lot,” he noted.
Now one of the team’s elder statesmen, Aguilar embraces the responsibility of guiding the younger players through Coach Tim Cone’s system — something he himself had to learn the hard way. “Knowing the system and how to execute it helps, and it’s always nice to help the newer players integrate. I was in their shoes once, after all.”
At the end of the day, Aguilar says every role matters — big or small. “Whatever Coach Tim needs us to do, we have to fulfill. If it’s being a body in practice, then that’s it. If it’s to play the middle and protect the rim, that’s it.”
For Aguilar, leadership isn’t about minutes or highlight plays. It’s about making sure the next wave of Gilas stars rises even higher.