MANILA – Veteran big man Japeth Aguilar said his final game for Gilas Pilipinas on Monday was a fitting way to end his tour of duty for the national team.
Ahead of their clash with Guam in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asia Qualifiers, Aguilar was honored at the Blue Eagle Gym in Ateneo de Manila University.
READ: Japeth Aguilar honored ahead of final game with Gilas Pilipinas
"Yeah tingin ko. Very fitting," Aguilar told reporters when asked if this was indeed his last dance for Gilas.
The Barangay Ginebra big man turned nostalgic as he capped off 16 years with Gilas in the place he once called home.
Aguilar played for Ateneo for two years in the UAAP, with some games held in the same venue.
"Akala ko madami akong fitting na mag-reretire na ako. Yung gold [sa Asian Games]. But this one, mas sweet kasi very nostalgic eh," Aguilar said.
The 38-year-old player said his top three moments in Gilas were entering the team in 2009, and competing in the FIBA World Cup in 2014 and 2023.
While he already called time on his national team duties, Aguilar said it’s not the same case for his PBA career.
"Hindi pa naman. Meron pa akong few left in my contract," he said.
ROOTING FOR YOUNG GILAS CORE
Gilas Pilipinas center Japeth Aguilar is honored ahead of the Philippines' game against Guam in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers 2027, December 1, 2025 at the Blue Eagle Gym in the Ateneo de Manila University campus in Quezon City. FIBA photo
Aguilar, who has been a mainstay in Gilas since 2009, believes the future is bright for the national team with the current crop of young guns.
"Very confident ako sa kanila. Malayo yung mararating nila. Basta ano lang, kailangan suportahan natin sila. Patuloy lang yung pag-trust sa system, sa process," he said.
"Sana ano maging, ano talaga sila, healthy and buo yung core. Kasi yun talaga [kailangan]. Actually, di pa natin nakikita yung full potential," Aguilar added.
READ: Aguilar leaving Gilas in good hands with triple towers Kai, Edu, QMB
The Gilas veteran relished the opportunity to represent the flag for over a decade and share the court with the younger players.
"Very thankful ako sa mga moments na nakasama ko yung mga future Gilas. Sa mga young guys, thankful ako sa moment na nagkasama kami on and off the court," Aguilar said.
"Feeling ko lang si Junemar may konting ano pa, pwede pa siya mag-stay para ma-lead yung mga young guys. Pero you know sobrang happy ako sa naging process and yung time ko with the national team. And then iiwan ko yung players sobrang promising," he added.
Aguilar played as a starter in his final game for Gilas, where he finished with 3 points.
"Very grateful ako kay coach Tim [Cone] na binigay niya sa akin yung pag-start dito. Kasi alam naman natin binibigay niya sa younger guys yung time. As a veteran, focused lang ako sa defense," he said.