Help on the way for fading Ginebra as Japeth vows to return in two weeks tops

Japeth Aguilar has vowed to return a week earlier than anticipated to boost Ginebra. Snow Badua

AS the losses keep piling up for Barangay Ginebra, a piece of good news came the team's way for a change.

Injured big man Japeth Aguilar said he is on pace to return to the ballclub in two weeks’ time, a week earlier than his expected comeback from an MCL sprain on his right knee.

In an interview with Spin.ph shortly after the Kings bowed to sister team San Mig Coffee, 89-86, on Sunday night, Aguilar bared his eagerness to return to action.

“Hindi na masakit `yung tuhod ko. May bruise na lang,” said the 6-foot-9 center, who has begun his rehab at the Moro Lorenzo gym inside the Ateneo campus on Monday.

“Pwede na akong mag-rehab. Saka mag-ba-bike na rin ako. Pwede raw sabi nung therapist namin. Kailangan yun para mabilis maibalik ang kundisyon,” said Aguilar, who has missed Ginebra’s last two games.

The second generation PBA player also assured he will do everything to return immediately, but at the same time assured that he will not force himself to avoid further injury.

“Two weeks pa. Depende sa magiging rehab. Pero alam ko mas early pa ang balik ko,” he added, vowing to make it back earlier than the normal four-week healing time for such injuries.

Aguilar sustained his injury after an awkward fall while attempting a baseline dunk in a game against Barako Bull last August 30.

“Hindi ko rin siyempre ito (injury) mamadaliin. Yun ang sabi ng PT (physical therapist) namin baka ma-injure pa ako ulit,” he added.

Asked how he feels seeing his team lose to the Mixers in a hotly contested match, Aguilar shook his head and said, “Hindi ko sila matulungan. Pero gustung-gusto ko sana!’

Aguilar likewise assured he won't carry any trauma following the incident and will still play his usual above-the-rim game once he returns.

“Hindi naman tayo matatakot. Basta importante, maka-recover na tayo. Laro ulit,” said the Gilas Pilipinas stalwart.