Defending champion Talk ‘N Text parades Japeth Aguilar today against Meralco

Games today:

Ynares Center

5:30 p.m.- Petron vs. Barako

7:45 p.m.- Meralco vs. Talk ‘N Text

Japeth Aguilar marks his return in the pro-league when the Talk ’’N Text Troang Texters play the Meralco Bolts in the main game of today’s 37th PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Aguilar became controversial when he just played one game with the Burger King, the team that tabbed him as the one overall pick in the 2009 Rookie Drafts.

The 6-foot-9 Aguilar then moved to Smart Gilas before going to Talk ‘N Text, where he helps shore up the team’s frontline currently manned by Ali Peek, Gilbert Lao and Harvey Carey.

Aguilar’s return will be a big boost for the Texters since Kelly Williams, Jimmy Alapag and Ranidel de Ocampo will take more time to rest following a grueling stint in the Fiba-Asia.

“I feel a lot of excitement tinged with apprehension because we don’t have our three national

players,” Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes told pba.ph.

Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio and his charges are hopeful they can surpass their fifth place finish in the All-Filipino tourney last year.

“It will be interesting to see how our seven new players will blend in. One thing is certain, we will exhibit toughness on the court and we will compete for every possession just to increase our chance to win,” said Gregorio.