JAPETH Aguilar said it was fitting that his Gilas Pilipinas career came to an end in the place where it all began for him.
Aguilar confirmed he is closing the book on his Philippine team stint that began way back in 2009, a year before the current national squad was still called Smart Gilas.
The 38-year-old Aguilar was honored before the game, and was given with a frame with his Gilas jersey on it with her wife Cassie and children joining him on the floor.
READ: Gilas sends off Japeth Aguilar with 24-point home win over Guam
“Tingin ko,” said Aguilar, when asked if Monday would indeed be his final game with Gilas Pilipinas. “Very fitting.”
Aguilar admitted he has been wanting to retire with Gilas Pilipinas way back in 2023 after the team won the gold medal in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
But Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone has always asked Aguilar to come back due to circumstances beyond his control, such as the ACL injury to Kai Sotto.
Apparently, playing his final game at the Blue Eagle Gym inside the Ateneo de Manila University was the most fitting of them all.
He played for two years with Ateneo from 2004 to 2005, with some of his UAAP games even played at the Blue Eagle Gym.
“Akala ko marami akong fitting na mag-reretire ako. ‘Yung gold [sa Asian Games]. But this one, mas sweet kasi very nostalgic sa akin,” Aguilar said.
In his final game with Gilas Pilipinas, Aguilar started and played for 10 minutes. He finished with three points.
Aguilar said he is blessed that he still had an opportunity to be part of the Gilas Pilipinas and play alongside the future of the national team.
“Very thankful ako sa mga moments na nakasama ko ‘yung mga future Gilas. Sa mga young guys, thankful ako sa moment na nagkasama kami on and off the court,” said Aguilar.
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