Japeth Aguilar not thinking of Best Player plum, focused on ending Ginebra’s title drought

PBA file/KC Cruz

A tough loss to the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers in last Sunday’s Manila Clasico served as a clear reminder for Japeth Aguilar and the rest of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

For Aguilar, the defeat serves as a lesson that the first-place team has a long way to go before ending its six-year PBA title drought.

Aguilar scored 26 points and blocked six shots, but managed to grab just seven rebounds as the taller Gin Kings were dominated by the smaller but more aggressive Mixers frontline on the boards.

He hopes that Ginebra will bounce back with a better effort as the team wraps up its elimination round slate with three games remaining on the schedule.

The high-flying forward has emerged as the Gin Kings’ main man this season, posting stellar numbers of 20.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks in Ginebra’s 11 games. He is second on the Best Player of the Conference statistical list behind Petron center June Mar Fajardo.

More importantly, he has built up his reputation in the clutch, already having hit two game-winning three-pointers for the Gin Kings.

But for now, Aguilar said he’s not looking at any individual trophies.

“Hindi ko iniisip yun, mas mahalaga as akin yung mag-champion kami.”

But Aguilar admitted that he had another goal for this conference — convincing his family, currently based in the United States, to move back to the Philippines to join him for good.

His father Peter, a former PBA journeyman who began his career with Ginebra, remains an inspiration for the younger Aguilar.

“Pag nanunuod siya lagi kaming panalo,” said Aguilar. “Para bang lucky charm siya.”