Gilas Pilipinas big man Japeth Aguilar is on the verge of playing in his third straight FIBA World Cup. Yes, the national team’s Final 12 has yet to be announced but the services of a lengthy and agile pivot like Japeth are virtually indispensable. With another amazing opportunity in front of him, the 6-foot-9 tweener isn’t taking anything for granted.
On Wednesday night, his wife Cassandra Naidas-Aguilar took to Instagram and showed how proud she was of her husband’s work ethic, leading up to the quadrennial basketball tournament.
In the post, the eight-time PBA champion can be seen doing evening runs at the oval of the Philippine Sports Complex in Pasig City.
“Still athletic and quick at 36 years old because of extra work,” Mrs. Aguilar wrote in a caption.
During the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle averaged 8 points and 3.7 rebounds. Those are modest numbers indeed, but they belie the impact of his presence in the paint. In his next outings for Gilas, expect Japeth to keep on finishing above the rim, grabbing crucial boards, and altering shots on the defensive end.
How is he able to still do these things despite playing a young man’s game? The IG post says it all.
Aside from training diligently with the national squad, the high-leaping veteran, as it appears, finds time to put in extra work. Now, that’s impressive. Maybe, it will inspire others to do the same.
But hey, perhaps Aguilar’s teammates are already doing their own workouts unbeknownst to the public.