Dream shelved, Aguilar now eyeing NBA D-League stint with Bakersfield
With his NBA dream shelved, Japeth Aguilar could find solace in the NBA D-League.
The 6-foot-9 Filipino could earn a spot in the Bakersfield Jam roster after an impressive workout with Jam assistant general manager Brian Levy in Los Angeles last week.
According to Hoopshype.com, Aguilar earned positive reviews from Levy, who was fascinated with the former Western Kentucky Hilltopper’s jumping ability and explosiveness around the rim.
“He’s an explosive leaper that runs the floor well and has good instincts when crashing the offensive glass. He can shoot just well enough from the three and that must be respected,” said Levy, who also functions as the team’s director of player personnel. “He has the tools to contribute to a team this year if he finds the right situation.”
Aguilar hasn’t signed up yet with any team in the opening conference of the 2012-2013 PBA season, hoping to land a job in the NBA.
The former Smart Gilas Pilipinas and Ateneo forward didn’t make it in the training camp of the New Orleans Hornets and has turned his attention to the D-League, where Asian-American Jeremy Lin started his climb to the pinnacle of stardom in the NBA.
“The story of Jeremy Lin is really inspiring,” said Aguilar. “I actually had the chance to play with him in Las Vegas at Impact. He worked really hard. You can tell he’s really something special.”
Once he earns a slot in the Jam lineup, the 2009 PBA No. 1 overall pick could get a call for a 10-day contract from an NBA team.
The Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns usually hire D-League talent from the Bakersfield Jam.
Aguilar, 25, missed the San Antonio Spurs and Hornets training camp barely a month before the NBA season opens shop on Oct. 30.
