The two veterans were part of the first version of Gilas Pilipinas over a decade ago.
ERRATUM: This story was updated following Marcio Lassiter's clarification that he does not share Japeth Aguilar's "last dance" remark regarding their time with Gilas Pilipinas. The original version of this article stated that Lassiter has retired from the national team, along with Aguilar. Lassiter explained to One Sports that he was referring to the Asian Games "ending this way but not me personally." We apologize for the misinterpretation.
Where were you when Jordan beat Gilas Pilipinas in the 2010 Asian Games in China?
If you ask Japeth Aguilar and Marcio Lassiter, they were there. On the floor at Ying Tung Gymnasium in Guangzhou. They lost, 81-71, in the classification game for fifth place.
It was the first iteration of Gilas Pilipinas, and Aguilar and Lassiter were among the key cogs. Back then, Aguilar was a springy yet raw forward, one year removed from his stint with Western Kentucky in the United States. Lassiter, meanwhile, was a spunky but inexperienced guard out of California. They were both 23 years old.
Fast forward to Friday night, now both at 36 years old, Aguilar and Lassiter got their payback against Jordan. Losing 13 years ago and again in the group stage last week have absolutely nothing on winning the gold medal.
After the awarding ceremony, the two veterans had wide smiles on their faces. Aguilar implied that it might be his last tour of duty with the national team.
"This is our last dance. What a way to end it," said Aguilar.
Lassiter, meanwhile, pointed out that they've been with Gilas Pilipinas since the beginning.
"From) Gilas 1. We're here to end it," added Lassiter.
Aguilar has been a constant for Gilas Pilipinas. With his length, athleticism, and size, he was always a shoo-in. While his performances through the years has waned and waxed, he has never shied away from the call of duty. He played in three straight editions of the FIBA World Cup. Not many players, even from other nations, could say that.
Lassiter, meanwhile, has been in and out of the national team. But whenever he's gotten a call-up and he's healthy, the answer has always been a YES. He has won two gold medals with Gilas Pilipinas in the Southeast Asian Games, a gold medal in the 2011 SEABA Championship, and a bronze medal in the 2011 Jones Cup.
But obviously, none of those can compare to their newest mint.
"Sixty-one years (in the making). It means a lot to everyone. We're happy we could bring it home," said Lassiter, while holding the gold medal.
"Yes, sir," added Aguilar.
Lassiter added that he's not closing his doors to donning the blue-and-white again.
"I actually am still not 100% sure if this it for me. That I'm ready for my national stint to be over, because this is where it all started for me," said Lassiter in a message to One Sports. "If I'm called up and if I'm healthy, I wouldn't turn down the honor to represent the country again."
Where were you when Gilas Pilipinas beat Jordan in the 2022 Asian Games in China?
If you ask Aguilar and Lassiter, they were there. Again. On the floor at the Hangzhou Olympic Gymnasium. Savoring their last dance.
(With reports from Belle Gregorio, One Sports)