Alfrancis to Japeth: “This is your time”

MANILA - Ginebra coach Alfrancis Chua sees a bright future for latest recruit Japeth Aguilar once the PBA Governors’ Cup opens shop on August 14.

Interviewed by Solar Sports Desk, Chua said the high-flying 6-foot-9 Aguilar has a lot of strong points which he could use once he proudly dons the Ginebra jersey.

“Ang dami ngang nagtatanong kung kwatro siya o singko. Pero by the time na ma-realize niya na nasa loob na siya at malaman na niya yung dugong Ginebra, mismo siya mag-aadjust na kung ano ang maitutulong niya sa team,” said Chua.

Chua said no coach or players from Aguilar’s past teams should be blamed why the former top rookie pick became a disappointment in his first four years in the league.

“Actually, lahat ng mga coach na dumaan sa kaniya magagaling eh. Siguro ngayon it’s a matter of him thinking, ‘teka muna, ano ba kulang sa akin bakit nalilipat ako?’ Pero I think when it comes to maturity andiyan na kay Japeth,” said Chua.

With Ginebra, Chua said Aguilar will have the freedom doing whatever he wants to do on offense for as long as he cooperates with their defensive system.

“I’m giving him the freedom to play. Basta dedepensa ka kasi pag hindi ka dedepensa hindi kita gagamitin,” said Chua. “This is your time. Look around you. Makikita mo kung ano kulang ng team. You don’t have to worry kung makakalaro ka ng maganda o hindi. Let’s just enjoy this.”

Chua believes that once this deal turns out well, he foresees an exciting run-and-gun Ginebra team.

“Ang maganda dito, he can run with us. Kung sa kwatro siya, apat na yung tumatakbo sa amin ngayon. Maganda tignan yun pag sasabay siya sa takbuhan kasi Japeth can finish the break,” said Chua.

In a recent four-team blockbuster trade, Aguilar was released by Gobal Port to Ginebra by acquiring young center Yousef Taha and a 2013 first round pick from Barako Bull. That Barako Bull pick, which is originally owned by Talk ‘N Text was obtained by Ginebra for Elmer Espiritu.

The Batang Pier meanwhile got Jay Washington from Petron for Jason Deutchman and second round picks in 2016 and 2017.

Though he produced measly numbers, Aguilar still played his best basketball with Global Port where he averaged 10.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 14 games.

Before seeing action for Global Port, Aguilar played 52 games for Talk ‘N Text, averaging 6.5ppg, 4.1rpg & 1.3bpg.