Zavier Lucero
If there’s anyone who welcomed the news of an expanded Gilas Pilipinas lineup with open arms, it was Japeth Aguilar.
Despite bowing out in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on Wednesday, Aguilar welcomed the conversation of the national team having a deeper pool for the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup.
“Obviously, we know they’re very talented,” Aguilar told the Inquirer, referring to the additions to Gilas. “They’re young guys so it’s good that we have some fresh guys.”
During practice on Monday, coach Tim Cone unveiled that the national team made a long list of players to comply with Fiba rules en route to the continental meet.
Four of the guys included in the pool were RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario, Zav Lucero and Rhenz Abando.
Abarrientos and Rosario are no strangers to Aguilar. After all, they play under one system with the Gin Kings under Cone.
What fancied the dynamic big man was the idea of having a “versatile” wingman on board in the form of Magnolia rising star, Lucero.
“There’s a lot of potential in that kid. He’s versatile and you really need that in the international level,” said Aguilar after dropping 12 points and seven rebounds in Barangay Ginebra’s heartbreaking 100-93 Game 7 loss to San Miguel Beer.
“He’s a two-way player who can play offense and defense. He’s a perfect fit,” he added.
Aguilar has taken notice of Lucero after their numerous matchups this season in the PBA.
Most recently, Aguilar one-upped Lucero in the Manila Clasico two months ago when Ginebra defeated Magnolia, 85-81.
Lucero, however, made sure to give Aguilar some trouble with 16 points and eight rebounds in a losing effort.
The University of the Philippines product’s brilliance was throughout the conference, as he was one of the big reasons why the Hotshots made the playoffs with a twice-to-beat advantage.
Another player that Aguilar gushed about was Abando, who returns to the national fold after a short absence.
Both Aguilar and Abando already shared the floor for the Philippines in 2023 during the Fiba World Cup, and Aguilar has already seen a big positive change in Abando’s game.
And that change, according to the Gin Kings’ reliable center, can flourish even more under Cone.
“I’m happy because he’ll be under coach Tim,” Aguilar said. “Hopefully, he grows under coach Tim.”
Lucero is currently training for Magnolia’s offseason while Abando is set to play for Strong Group Athletics for the upcoming William Jones Cup.
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While there’s no assurance that both swingmen will immediately reach Gilas’ Final 12 for the Asia Cup, Aguilar knows that they’ll get there sooner than later.