INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines - Talk N' Text will release newly acquired rookie center Japeth Aguilar to the Smart Gilas national developmental pool, the team and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas said in separate statements Tuesday.

Aguilar will play for the Smart Gilas squad in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup following a single-game stint with Burger King, the team that drafted him No. 1 overall this year. Aguilar had 10 points and nine rebounds in a 93-80 defeat to Purefoods on opening day.

In a statement, Talk ‘N Text governor Ricky Vargas— also the SBP vice president—confirmed the three-team trade that eventually sent Aguilar to the Tropang Texters.

He said the team has “made a commitment not to include Aguilar in the Talk ‘N Text roster but to instead release him to Smart Gilas national team under coach Rajko Toroman.”

SBP executive director Noli Eala echoed Vargas’ statement.

“Japeth is definitely suiting up [for Smart Gilas],” said Eala. “We want to make him play on Friday but I have yet to discuss the terms of the trade with Talk ‘N Text and its agreement with Burger King.”

Burger King shipped Aguilar to Barako Bull which, in turn, traded the rights to the former Western Kentucky U reserve to Talk ‘N Text for a couple of future draft picks.

“This agreement could never have been possible without the willingness of Burger King team owner Mr. Bert Lina and PBA chair and team manager Lito Alvarez who, despite losing the services of Aguilar, put their overriding interest in helping the Smart Gilas national team above all else,” Vargas said in his statement.

“Talk ‘N Text could do no less, in fairness to the nine other teams in the PBA.”

Aguilar signed a one-year pact worth P1.8 million with the Whoppers, a deal which will be assumed by the Tropang Texters, the ballclub owned by SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan.

“I have yet to discuss his contract with Talk ‘N Text,” said Eala. “Either [the SBP will] augment the contract or just take on the contract since he’s not playing with Talk N Text.”

Smart Gilas is a program geared toward the 2011 Fiba Asia Championship, which offers an Asian slot to the 2012 Olympics.