Rank Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
    View Today
    Sun, Nov 5

    Japeth eager to play for Guiao a decade after turning back on former coach

    Aguilar eyes redemption to former Burger King coach
    Sep 16, 2018
    Japeth Aguilar is eager to do well with former coach Yeng Guiao watching.
    PHOTO: marlo cueto

    TIME heals all wounds, but for Japeth Aguilar, he's just grateful that he gets this rare second chance to reconnect with his former coach Yeng Guiao, this time in the national team.

    "I'm really looking forward playing for coach Yeng. Not only that may chance ako to represent the country, but may chance din ako to get back at him," he said.

    The two's first partnership wasn't a fruitful one, to say the least.

    Guiao, then calling the shots for Burger King, picked Aguilar first in the 2009 PBA Draft after the reed-thin forward's collegiate run with Western Kentucky.

    After one game, though, Aguilar took a u-turn and wanted out of the team, saying that he wants to focus on cracking a spot in the first iteration of Gilas Pilipinas under coach Rajko Toroman.

    His wish was met, with Burger King sending him to Talk 'N Text, which in turn loaned him to the national team program.

    Almost a decade after, and here they are on the same side once again, older and wiser and this time, fighting for a bigger cause.

    MORE FROM SPIN
    MORE FROM SPIN

      For Aguilar, now 31, this chance doesn't come often and he really wants to show how much he's grown from that young turk who chose to part ways with the fiery mentor.

      "We all know past is past, pero it's always great to have another chance to play for him," he said.

      This game against Qatar on Monday won't be just any other game, though, as Aguilar is eyeing to make up for lost time after serving his one-game suspension stemming from the now-infamous brawl last July.

      "It's always an honor for me to represent the country. Now, may opportunity kami makapasok sa World Cup next year, so we'll do everything we can and I'll the best I can para matulungan ang teammates ko," he said.

      ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

      Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph

      Read Next
      Watch Now
      Sorry, no results found for
      Japeth Aguilar is eager to do well with former coach Yeng Guiao watching.
      PHOTO: marlo cueto
    • POLL

      • Quiz

        Quiz Result