Japeth planning to join PBA draft

Japeth Aguilar appears more inclined to join the coming PBA draft instead of staying on as an amateur player for at least three more years suiting up with the Smart Gilas RP team in international competitions.

“I’m looking at the PBA draft. Why not?” said Aguilar, moments after his first appearance with the Powerade Team Pilipinas in a tune-up match with the Soldiers for Christ team at The Arena in San Juan Thursday.

Aguilar, a 6-foot-9 agile center who could be the next dominant big man in Philippine basketball, said he will make the decision before the draft deadline on July 24 or before the departure of the Powerade-RP for the Jones Cup competition on July 16.

The draft day is Aug. 2 at the Market! Market! Center in Taguig with the No. 1 pick belonging to Burger King.

BK top official Lito Alvarez said they would definitely go for Aguilar should the player decide to join the draft pool.

“The way I see it, Japeth is going to be the next dominant guy without a doubt,” said Powerade-RP and BK coach Yeng Guiao.

Barako Bull should take the first crack at the No. 1 pick with its worst finish in the season about to end but it had ceded its right to Burger King in a trade deal involving Gabby Espinas.

Lottery is no longer necessary since the other team, which should have been involved in the exercise is the defunct Shell ball club.

Aguilar made good impression in his showing in Powerade-RP’s 100-94 victory over the visiting US team.

The former Ateneo Eagle who later played for Western Kentucky U in the US NCAA came through with eight points, six rebounds, four blocks and one steal against three errors in 24 minutes of action.

Gauging his level of performance on a scale of one to 10, Aguilar said it’s only seven since he’s still adjusting to brand of local basketball.

“It’s good that Arwind (Santos), James (Yap) and Willie (Miller) helped me out in the game. I also have to shape up some more. I was losing wind right in the first half,” said Aguilar.

The US team, brought in by former PBA player Al Solis, had also played the UP Maroons and is set to play at least four more games in the south.

Troy Coleman, a 6-foot-4 guard-forward who had reinforced the Red Bull team in the PBL in the late 90s, is included in the team.

Others are former PBA player Rob Johnson, Michael McFadden of San Jose State, Marcus Morgan and Kenneth Alexander of Cal State Fullerton, Jimar Dooley of Holy Names, Wayne Oliver of West Hills JC, Marcus Crawford of Florida International, Imhoret Amenra and Larry Green.