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Board okays Japeth return to Gilas five
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Japeth Aguilar has returned to the Smart Gilas fold, cleared to play for the RP developmental team
after being traded by the Burger King Whoppers.

Aguilar rejoined the RP hopefuls yesterday with no less than three PBA teams getting involved in the deal.

With the season having just started, Burger King, Talk n Text and Barako Bull figured in a trade deal paving the way for
Aguilar’s return to Smart Gilas.

“I made the deal with clearance from the other members of the PBA board. I think this is the best solution to this problem,”
said Burger King top official and PBA board chairman Lito Alvarez.

    Burger King released Aguilar and Orly Daroya for
    two future first round picks each by Talk n Text
    (2013 and 2014) and Barako Bull (2010 and
    2012).

    Barako Bull agreed to be the third party in the BK-
    Talk n Text deal being recipient earlier of TnT
    reserves Yousif Aljamal and Gilbert Lao. Added to
    the Energy Boosters’ lineup was Daroya as a
    result of the latest development.

    Talk n Text made the biggest sacrifice in giving
    away two future first round picks to bring Aguilar
    over to Smart Gilas.

    Part of the condition is that Aguilar will not be
    allowed to play for Talk n Text until after
    completing a three-year duty with the RP team.

    “Why keep him (Aguilar) when his mindset is not
    in it (playing for Burger King),” Alvarez added.

    Alvarez announced the closure to the Aguilar case
    after the controversial player suited up and played
    one game with the Whoppers in the PBA season-
    opening game which they lost to the Purefoods
    Tender Juicy Giants.

    “Masyado kaming binigyan ng problema ng player
    na ito (We’re given so much problem by this guy),”
    said Alvarez of Aguilar who made himself
    available for the 2009 draft only to turn his back on
    the league later on.

Meanwhile, Talk n Text top official Ricky Vargas said they came up with the best solution with the guidance of Samahang
Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan.

“Mr. Manny Pangilinan instructed us to find an acceptable solution and resolve the impasse. To quote him, ‘Be part of the
solution and not the problem,’” said Vargas.

“The agreement could never have been possible without the willingness of Burger King team owner Mr. Bert Lina and PBA
chairman and Mr.Alvarez who, despite losing the services of Aguilar, put their overriding interest in helping the Smart Gilas
national team above all else. Talk N’ Text could do no less, in fairness to the nine other teams in the PBA,” Vargas added.

PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios cleared the trade, giving Aguilar the go-signal to return to Smart Gilas.

Aguilar suits up with Smart Gilas as it starts its guest stint in the Philippine Cup curiously against Burger King Friday at the
Araneta Coliseum. – Nelson Beltran