Japeth Aguilar made sure he is there for his Gilas Pilipinas brother Kai Sotto in this trying time, at least in spirit.
With Kai Sotto expected to be shelved for an extended period of time after suffering an ACL injury, veteran Japeth Aguilar is eyed to step in as the rising Gilas Pilipinas star undergoes recovery.
When asked about the role he would have to play in Sotto's absence, Aguilar seemed reluctant at first, deferring to other young bigs like AJ Edu.
"I feel like there are still other bigs, like AJ Edu," said the soft-spoken Ginebra star after his squad's 116-119 loss to NorthPort in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
The 7-foot-3 Sotto sustained the injury in Koshigaya Alpha’s 77-79 loss to Seahorse Makawa in the Japan B.LEAGUE three days ago.
The news was a huge blow for the national team, which is visiting New Zealand and Chinese Taipei in the February window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
Gilas, though, already clinched a spot for the tournament in Saudi Arabia.
The 6-foot-9 Aguilar said he is just ready for whatever will be asked of him as Sotto goes through what he described as the “darkest day of my career.”
[RELATED STORY: Kai Sotto describes ACL tear as "darkest day" of basketball career]
“My role lang here is to guide the young guys, [and for them to understand] 'yung triangle ni coach Tim (Cone). 'Yun lang ang pinakaimportante, ma-execute naming nang maayos,” he said.
Aguilar, who has had a great deal of injuries in a long, decorated basketball career beginning in Ateneo, shared a few words to uplift Sotto’s spirit in this unfortunate time.
“I know it’s a hard time right now. But all I can say is you’re still young. Always trust in the Lord. Have faith, He has plans for you. Keep your spirit up. You will be back stronger. God bless you, Kai,” Aguilar said.
(With reports from Gillian Trinidad, One Sports Digital)