WONDERING why slam-dunking Ginebra forward Japeth Aguilar’s numbers are down in the PBA Governors Cup?
Aguilar has an explanation.
They Said It!
“The former Ateneo player averages just 8.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in the season-ending conference - way off his 18.8-point, 10-rebound average in the Philippine Cup."
“Ngayon kasi nag-i-step up si Greg (Slaughter), although kaya lang ako hindi umiiskor ng katulad sa all-Filipino conference, siguro dahil di ako aggressive sa offense and I’m not looking for my shots,” Aguilar told Spin.ph.
Also, the 26-year-old Ginebra big man said he's been focusing on becoming a better defensive player since he’s been assigned to defend against imports by new coach Jeffrey Cariaso.
The former Ateneo player averages just 8.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in the season-ending conference - way off his 18.8-point, 10-rebound average in the Philippine Cup.
Worse, he averages close to four fouls per contest since he started defending imports for Ginebra.
But Aguilar, a feared helpside defender but rarely assigned to take on defensive assignments against imports in the past, has embraced the role under Cariaso.
“Iyung focus ko kasi yung defense, pero gusto ko pa mag-improve doon sa part na iyun,” he said.
Aguilar also admitted that the triangle offense requires a lot of patience from him as he learns to decide when to go for the basket and when to pass.
“Actually, nae-enhance pa patience ko kasi may time na gusto ko na i-drive talaga, pero di ko pa ginagawa. Hinahanap ko pa teammates ko,” recalled the former Western Kentucky player.
“Sa triangle, as long as you’re aggressive on offense, may chance ka mag-score,” he said.
Aguilar had his best game this conference against San Mig last Sunday when he scored 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds, but he couldn't save Ginebra from absorbing a 90-102 loss.
The Gin Kings, however, have since bounced back with a vengeance on Tuesday as they clobbered Barako Bull, 98-70 to forge a three-way tie for the top spot with San Mig and Talk ‘N Text.
Ginebra returns to action on Sunday when it faces Rain or Shine.
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