Best is yet to come for late-bloomer Japeth Aguilar, says JDV

Ginebra teammate says Aguilar just starting to unleash full potential at age 33

Apr 27, 2020

JOE Devance sees great things for Japeth Aguilar, more than the Finals MVP title he won last season in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

Devance says Aguilar, now 33, is starting to dominate as a result of the hard work he has put in practice and games with Barangay Ginebra.

“Jap is one of the hardest workers I been around, loves his teammates, and his family. I’m telling you now, Jap is just starting his new dominance and seeing the game totally different now. Watch and see,” wrote Devance on his Twitter account.

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The comments made by the Barangay Ginebra veteran was a reaction to statements recently made by former Talk ‘N Text coach Bill Bayno about Aguilar being a potential NBA talent as early as in his days with Ateneo.

In a statement made during a coaching webinar, Bayno said Aguilar had what it takes to make it to the NBA after seeing him in workouts with the Blue Eagles. Bayno also felt Aguilar may have had a greater chance to become the first homegrown Filipino to play in the NBA if he played more games in the United States early in his career.

Aguilar made an NBA bid by playing college ball with Western Kentucky, before being drafted by NBA G-League team Santa Cruz Warriors but was later cut from the team.

PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

Devance bared that during Aguilar’s stint with Western Kentucky, he reached out to him to help out. And seeing that time, Devance said the sky is the limit for Aguilar.

“Not too many people know this but I believed in Jap and reached out to Jap when I heard he was going to WK (Western Kentucky). I was close enough to travel to him if he needed. From then to now, Jap is my top three players I really enjoyed seeing his growth,” said Devance.