Japeth Aguilar facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Japeth Aguilar

Aguilar with the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in 2014
No. 25 – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
Center
Personal information
Born	(1987-01-25) January 25, 1987 (age 38) Sexmoan, Pampanga, Philippines (now Sasmuan, Pampanga)
Nationality	Filipino
Listed height	6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Listed weight	235 lb (107 kg)
Career information
College	Ateneo (2003–2005) Western Kentucky (2007–2009)
PBA Draft	2009 Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
Selected by the Burger King Whoopers
Pro career	2009–present
League	PBA
Career history
2009	Burger King Whoppers
2009–2013	Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters
2013	GlobalPort Batang Pier
2013–present	Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
Career highlights and awards
8× PBA champion (2012 Philippine, 2016 Governors', 2017 Governors', 2018 Commissioner's, 2019 Governors', 2020 Philippine, 2021 Governors', 2022–23 Commissioner's) PBA Finals MVP (2019 Governors') 9× PBA All-Star (2013–2019, 2023, 2024) 2× PBA All-Star Game Co-MVP (2019, 2024) 3× PBA Mythical First Team (2017, 2018, 2020) 2× PBA Mythical Second Team (2016, 2019) 3× PBA All-Defensive Team (2016, 2017, 2019)
Medals Men's basketball Representing the  Philippines FIBA Asia Championship Silver 2013 Manila team FIBA Asia Cup Bronze 2014 Wuhan Team SEABA Championship Gold 2011 Jakarta Team Gold 2017 Quezon City Team William Jones Cup Bronze 2011 Taipei Team Southeast Asian Games Gold 2019 Philippines Team Asian Games Gold 2022 Hangzhou Team

Japeth Paul Cabrera Aguilar, born on January 25, 1987, is a famous Filipino professional basketball player. He plays as a center for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel team in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Before joining the PBA, he played college basketball for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the Philippines. He also played for the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers in the United States.

College Basketball Journey

Playing for Ateneo Blue Eagles

Japeth Aguilar started his college basketball career with the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in 2004. His first season was cut short because of an illness. However, he still managed to score 13 points and block 10 shots in just 10 games.

In his second year, he played much better. He averaged 5.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.2 blocked shots per game. He helped the Blue Eagles finish strong in 2005. He was known for his many blocks, leading the UAAP league with 48 blocks in 16 games.

Playing in the NCAA Division I

Later, Japeth Aguilar moved to Western Kentucky University in the United States. He joined the Hilltoppers team in 2007. This made him the first player born in the Philippines to play in the NCAA Division I. In his first game, he scored four points and grabbed three rebounds.

He got injured during practice and missed most of his first year. In his final year, he played in 14 games, mostly as a reserve player.

Returning to the Philippines

Starting in the PBA and Smart Gilas

Aguilar with Smart Gilas in 2010

In 2009, Japeth Aguilar was the top pick in the PBA draft, chosen by the Burger King Whoppers. However, he wanted to join the Smart Gilas Pilipinas basketball program. This program was for developing future national team players.

After some discussions, Japeth signed a one-year contract with the Whoppers. The plan was for him to play a few games with them. Then, he would be traded to the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters, who would let him play for Smart Gilas.

He played only one game for the Whoppers before being traded. He then joined Smart Gilas and played for them until 2012. After that, he played for Talk 'N Text.

Chasing the NBA Dream

After his contract with Talk 'N Text ended in 2012, Japeth wanted to try playing in the NBA. He was the first player born and raised in the Philippines to get an invitation to practice with an NBA team.

He worked out with the New Orleans Hornets and the San Antonio Spurs. He also practiced with the Santa Cruz Warriors, an NBA Development League (D-League) team.

Playing for Santa Cruz Warriors

On November 2, 2012, Japeth Aguilar made history. He became the first Filipino player ever drafted into the NBA Development League. The Santa Cruz Warriors picked him as the 109th player overall.

However, the Warriors decided to let him go on November 22. He was offered a spot on their practice team, but he chose to look for other opportunities instead.

Back to the PBA

Playing for GlobalPort Batang Pier (2013)

After his attempt to play in the NBA, Japeth returned to the Philippines. He asked for a trade from the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters. He was then traded to GlobalPort Batang Pier.

Joining Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (2013–present)

On June 11, 2013, Japeth Aguilar was traded to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. He quickly became a key player for the team.

He was often paired with Greg Slaughter, and they were called the "Twin Towers" because of their height. In his first game for Ginebra, Japeth scored 18 points and blocked 5 shots. He even hit a game-winning three-point shot against the Meralco Bolts in December 2013. He finished that game with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Japeth's confidence grew, and he became one of the team's top scorers. He was also a strong candidate for the Best Player of the Conference award. In 2016, he was named to the PBA All-Defensive Team. On January 6, 2022, Japeth signed a new three-year contract with Barangay Ginebra.

National Team Career

Japeth Aguilar first played for the Philippines men's national basketball team in 2009. He played in the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship.

He became a starting player for the national team during the "Gilas" era. He helped Gilas qualify for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. He also played for the team in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Japeth has won several medals with the national team, including gold at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and the 2022 Asian Games.

Career Statistics

Japeth Aguilar has played many games in the PBA and for the national team. He has shown great skill in scoring, rebounding, and blocking shots throughout his career. He is known for his athletic plays and strong defense.