Japeth Aguilar heading back home and ready for new beginning

CONTROVERSIAL slotman Japeth Aguilar is finally coming home as he looks forward to the fresh start that he longed for.

The 6’9” big man, who plays at the wing, is expected to immediately join GlobalPort, his new squad after finally getting traded late last week, in practice in preparation for the 2013 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.

Aguilar got his wish of getting shipped out by Talk ‘N Text, which sent him to GlobalPort for fellow and former Ateneo Blue Eagle and teammate Rabeh Al-Hussaini last Thursday.

The 2009 no. 1 overall draft pick arrives today after spending several months in the United States trying his luck in the National Basketball Association D-League.

GlobalPort coach Junel Baculi is excited to welcome him in the new-look Batang Pier camp.

‘’Everyone in the team is excited to welcome all our new additions, especially Sol (Mercado) and Japeth (Aguilar). We know that we made a huge move in getting them and we are very optimistic that they can help our team become a lot better in the next conference,’’ said Baculi.

After getting Aguilar and his rights, GlobalPort management wanted to see him in person first before starting contract negotiations. Aguilar is technically a free agent since his contract expired prior to the start of the season.

The team’s core now consists of the high-octane backcourt trio of Mercado, resident scorer Gary David, two-time Most Valuable Player Willie Miller and Aguilar.

Aguilar makes his debut for Batang Pier in the league opener on Friday against Petron Blaze at 5 p.m.

Aguilar was drafted by the Santa Cruz Warriors in the NBDL, but didn’t make the official roster.

He demanded a trade from TNT two weeks ago as he was not pleased with his playing time with the Tropang Texters. Wanting no part of any complications, the three-time Philippine Cup champions immediately granted his wish.

via Aguilar ready for new beginning – Manila Standard Today.