Japeth Aguilar looking to become first Filipino in NBA

Japeth Aguilar (6’9″, college: Western Kentucky University) is the 2009 number one pick in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), but he has his sights set higher, the NBA.

Currently, Aguilar is in the US working out with a few teams in the NBA’s D-League, including the Bakersfield Jam in Los Angeles. The Jam are affiliated with the Atlanta Hawks, LA Clippers, Phoenix Suns and the Toronto Raptors. He made it through the initial cut to 20 from 80 players at the Jam’s recent open tryout, impressing coaches with 10 points, 4 rebounds and 5 blocked shots.

Head coach Will Voight liked what he saw from the former Smart Gilas Pilipinas player.

“He’s been playing as a four or a five in the Philippines, so we’ll have to transition him into a three. It’ going to be a process for him,” Voigt said.

“But he’s shown flashes throughout the weekend that makes you want to see more.”

Assistant coach John Bryant said of Aguilar, “I think right now he’s a little too passive. He needs to be the man, and mix that with some aggression.” Bryan added, “I want to see him throw an elbow or something. Get out of his shell a little and play loose. I think he’ll really be something special.”

After graduating from Wester Kentucky, he tried out for the D-League, but wasn’t drafted. He turned his sights the league back home in the Philippines and was drafted first in the PBA by Burger King. He decided against joining them though, in favor of the developmental program Smart Gilas Pilipinas. The move caused a great deal of controversy, but was eventually worked about so that he could stay in the PBA, by being traded to the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, who allowed him to play with Smart Gilas when needed.

With his contract expired with the PBA, he’s looking to find a roster spot in the D-League. “It was going to be now or never,” Aguilar said. “If it’s not for me, then at least I tried. I don’t want to have any regrets, so I just want to try.”

He’s also got a scheduled workout with the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA and are looking for others, including the Orlando Magic.