JUST being back on the floor and playing again already felt fine for Japeth Aguilar.
The Ginebra big man finally returned to action Saturday night in Game Three of the PBA Commissioner's Cup after missing out the first two matches of the best-of-five semifinals series against Rain or Shine due to an Achilles injury.
Aguilar saw limited minutes and finished with two and two rebounds as he struggled getting back in playing form.
But he was very pleased to get the opportunity to rejoin the Kings again and help them in their bid to make the finals.
Ginebra won at the Mall of Asia Arena for a 2-1 lead in the short best-of-five series.
"It's nice to be out there," he said. "At least na gauge ko siya (injury) kasi iba yung intensity sa game."
The 6-foot-9 product of Western Kentucky and Ateneo only rejoined Ginebra on the eve of the game.
"Walk through lang, hindi pa ako nag intense movement sa practice," he said.
Aguilar admitted still being bothered by the injury especially since it was his left Achilles which he hurt.
"Yung left leg ko kasi talaga ang gamit ko for takeoff," he said.
His leg was sore after the game, according to Aguilar, although he expects to feel much better by Monday when the Kings go for a finals berth in Game Four.
"Every day naman nag-iimprove siya," Aguilar added.
A healthy Aguilar of course means trouble for the top seeded Elasto Painters.
"He's not yet in game shape and so we're trying to be a little ginger with him," said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
"But without a doubt, we're a completely different team with Japeth healthy. Without a doubt," he added.
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