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Japeth relents, suits up for Whoppers
By Nelson Beltran, Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines - In the end, Japeth Aguilar came to terms with Burger King, paving the way for his entry to the 35th PBA
season which opens tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.
With the intervention of PLDT-Smart chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, Aguilar finally agreed to sign up with Burger King, the
team which made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 PBA Rookie Draft.
The team was rushing Aguilar’s license with the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) as of presstime yesterday.
The Whoppers will have a special practice session at the Reyes Gym this morning to be attended by Aguilar. Afterwards, the
two parties will formally sign a contract then hold a press conference.
Among the things to be discussed by the two parties tomorrow is the delicate issue on Aguilar’s stint with both his mother
club in the PBA and the Smart Gilas team.
“I’m allowing him that and I think the PBA board won’t get on the way. But to be sure that there’s no problem, we’re inviting
the commissioner (Sonny Barrios) to the press conference tomorrow,” said Alvarez.
Aguilar joins the Whoppers in practice today in preparation for the season opener pitting Burger King and Purefoods.
It’s a match featuring top pick Aguilar and second selection Rico Maierhofer.
“It’s designed to be a battle between the top two picks. We’re very happy it will materialize,” said Alvarez.
Before the talk between Pangilinan and the older Aguilar, the rookie’s camp was firm on its decision to abandon Burger
King and instead play for the Smart Gilas team being prepared to compete in the 2011 Fiba Asia championship.
Aguilar’s decision to reconsider and settle for a one-year pact could mean he would seek to be traded after a year’s stay
with the Whoppers.
“It’s not that important. It can be resolved. The important thing really is that he’s signing up with us. With that, the PBA draft
rules are not ‘bastardized’,” said Alvarez.
Alvarez’s original offer for the former Western Kentucky U player was a three-year pact involving the maximum amount
allowed in the league.
By Nelson Beltran, Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines - In the end, Japeth Aguilar came to terms with Burger King, paving the way for his entry to the 35th PBA
season which opens tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.
With the intervention of PLDT-Smart chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, Aguilar finally agreed to sign up with Burger King, the
team which made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 PBA Rookie Draft.
The team was rushing Aguilar’s license with the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) as of presstime yesterday.
The Whoppers will have a special practice session at the Reyes Gym this morning to be attended by Aguilar. Afterwards, the
two parties will formally sign a contract then hold a press conference.
- “He settled for a one-year contract. It’s a done deal. We’ll discuss the
other details tomorrow (today),” said BK top honcho and PBA board
chairman Lito Alvarez.
- “The most important thing is that he finally agreed to sign a contract.
That’s a big concern not only for me but the team, the PBA board and the
SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas). With this development, we’ve
eliminated possible irritant,” Alvarez said.
- Alvarez said SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan personally talked with
Japeth’s father, Peter, in an overseas call to convince the family to settle
their issue with Burger King.
- “It took the intervention of Mr. MVP for the problem to be resolved, and I’m
thankful to him,” said Alvarez. “There’s pride and principle that needed to
be managed and MVP’s words of wisdom really helped.”
Among the things to be discussed by the two parties tomorrow is the delicate issue on Aguilar’s stint with both his mother
club in the PBA and the Smart Gilas team.
“I’m allowing him that and I think the PBA board won’t get on the way. But to be sure that there’s no problem, we’re inviting
the commissioner (Sonny Barrios) to the press conference tomorrow,” said Alvarez.
Aguilar joins the Whoppers in practice today in preparation for the season opener pitting Burger King and Purefoods.
It’s a match featuring top pick Aguilar and second selection Rico Maierhofer.
“It’s designed to be a battle between the top two picks. We’re very happy it will materialize,” said Alvarez.
Before the talk between Pangilinan and the older Aguilar, the rookie’s camp was firm on its decision to abandon Burger
King and instead play for the Smart Gilas team being prepared to compete in the 2011 Fiba Asia championship.
Aguilar’s decision to reconsider and settle for a one-year pact could mean he would seek to be traded after a year’s stay
with the Whoppers.
“It’s not that important. It can be resolved. The important thing really is that he’s signing up with us. With that, the PBA draft
rules are not ‘bastardized’,” said Alvarez.
Alvarez’s original offer for the former Western Kentucky U player was a three-year pact involving the maximum amount
allowed in the league.
