Gilas coach Chot Reyes gives Japeth Aguilar some advice after demanding for a trade
Former Talk ’N Text head coach and current Smart-Gilas leadman Chot Reyes had some sage advice for Japeth Aguilar after the latter demanded a trade even before he came back to the country in time for the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Aguilar, the son of former PBA player Peter Aguilar, came out from his shell the other day and demanded a trade from the Tropang Texters camp through his Philippine-based agent, Marvin Espiritu.
The 6-foot-9 center from Ateneo and Western Kentucky is currently in the United States, where he was trying to pursue a career in the NBA D-League.
Reyes, the man who handled Aguilar in his time with both the Gilas and the Texters, did not agree with the latter’s actions and had some timely advice for the 25-year old, which he publicly stated on Twitter yesterday.
“It’s not good to publicly demand to be traded, especially due to playing time. Especially when your team just won the title. This smacks of selfishness,” said Reyes, whose Gilas team was still coming back to the country from a stint in the 24th Dubai International basketball tournament.
“If you really want to play, why go to the NBA/NBDL? You think you can play a lot there? You played 20 minutes per game in your last All-Filipino stint. This is not enough? Son,playing time is EARNED,not demanded/expected. If you wanna play at crunchtime, work hard so your coach can’t afford to sit you. If he does, work anyway.”
Reyes, though, recognized Aguilar’s potential for greatness but advised Aguilar to do a little bit of introspection.
“You are the most physically gifted Pinoy baller EVER. But why didn’t you play at WKentucky? At Gilas? In NBDL? It’s the coaches’ fault? Think about it.”
In spite of his critique, Reyes maintained that he was behind the youngster all the way.
“I have nothing to gain whatever you decide. I want what’s best for you. Come home son. Make ur name here.This is where you belong. So play eight or 48 minutes, dunk on somebody – but do it HERE. And know whatever happens, I will be behind you always.
