Japeth Aguilar's strategy apparently got busted by his teammate.
Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings guard Scottie Thompson went with familiarity when he tabbed teammate Christian Standhardinger as his first pick in the PBA All-Star Draft on Monday.
The others? The reigning MVP picked them because he didn’t want to go up against them in the All-Star Game on March 12 in Passi City, Iloilo.
Of course, he was kidding.
But Thompson is confident with the team he is bringing to the spectacle, as it will include San Miguel Beermen’s Cjay Perez, Magnolia Hotshots’ Calvin Abueva, NorthPort Batang Pier’s Robert Bolick, and TNT Tropang Giga’s Jayson Castro.
“Parang hindi ka mapapagod sa team na ‘to. Happy kami, especially nakuha namin mga gusto namin at mga ayaw ko na bantayan,” Thompson said.
Coach Yeng Guiao, who will be handling Team Scottie, agreed.
“Karamihan sa mga 'to, when you see them on the other team, it's a nightmare for us. Pero ngayon kakampi namin sila,” he said. “But it’s all just for fun. 'Yung mga taga-Iloilo, mag-e-enjoy sila dito.”
Meanwhile, top vote-getter Japeth Aguilar was just as pleased with the team he assembled.
Aguilar will play alongside DOTA buddy and six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo as well as Ginebra teammates LA Tenorio, Jeremiah Gray, Jamie Malonzo, and Nards Pinto.
“I’m very happy. Siguro kailangan na lang naming i-practice 'yung sayaw,” he said in jest of his handpicked team, which will be coached by Ginebra's Tim Cone.
Here are the complete lineups of Team Scottie and Team Japeth:
