Japeth Aguilar's Crossroads

An American political advisor by the name of Anthony Robbins once said “You are now at a crossroads. This is your opportunity to make the most important decision you will ever make. Forget your past. Who are you now? Don't think about who you have been. Who have you decided to become? Make this decision consciously. Make it carefully. Make it powerfully.”

These might be words that Japeth Aguilar need to ponder upon as he makes what could be the most important decision of his life. Will he enter the PBA, try his luck with the NBDL and maybe make it to the NBA, or play for flag and country – either for the Powerade Team Pilipinas or the Smart Gilas Developmental team?

He made a good account for himself in his first spectacle during the RP team’s electrifying tune up game against the visiting Soldiers for Christ squad last July 2. He immediately got the crowd on their feet with a slam and a couple of ego-shattering blocks! Although Aguilar himself says he didn’t get his rhythm going until the second half and gave his performance a 7 out of 10 because he wanted to churn things up more on the offensive, he made fans eat up all the hype. Skeptics were made believers as he made his defensive presence felt and had everyone salivating at the skills he brought home.

Japeth recalls making an easy decision to leave for the United States to play for the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers three years ago. Who wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to play for a school with 40 conference championships which is the third most in NCAA history? Already, Japeth is etched in history as the first Philippine-born player to be recruited by a Division-1 program. Three years under Coach Darrin Horn and Coach Ken McDonald taught him so much on preparation for the game, putting in the extra work, and discipline. Needless to say he also came back with more muscle, height, speed, and flare.
With baited breath, interested parties wait for his decision.

Japeth has numerous things to consider. His family for one.

His father, former PBA player Peter Aguilar has truly nourished his children’s love for the game. Even the younger Micah played for Assumption. Japeth is filled with memories of him and his father shooting around, getting pointers on his technique, and always getting grilled on the importance of hard work.

“My dad pushed me and is my main motivator”, he shared. Definitely what his parents think weigh heavily. Being the loving son that he is, Japeth also revealed that he wishes to help his family out.

Entering the pros may be the way to go for that. The rookie salary is already a bit more than what the NBDL would offer, and then endorsement offers could come to play and other money-making opportunities. Not that his family is needing. Japeth just envisions himself giving back to his parents.

Undoubtedly he’ll make himself available for the National Team. But should he go pro, transitioning to the Smart Gilas squad may be shelved.

Another factor Japeth would consider is the possibility of being the first Filipino in the NBA.

That would mean going back to the US for the National Basketball Developmental League. Japeth would be perfect for the NBDL because of his youth and raw talent. They see a lot of potential in the 24 year- old project, preferring him over the senior (even more talented) players who would be too old by the time they finish the NBDL program. No wonder he was mentioned on ESPN as one of the players that scouts are looking at. Japeth said “this is a chance of a lifetime”, so he might not want to pass it up.

There’s also the love factor.

Japeth is engaged to former Western Kentucky University varsity member Jessica Magley who finished Political Science and is currently taking up her masters degree. Is she willing to move here to the Philippines and suspend her pursuit of her own career? Japeth though truly believes that Jessica will support him in his decisions.

Japeth is at a crossroads in his life, in his career. He must “make it consciously. Make it carefully. Make it powerfully.”