Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Japeth Aguilar continued to climb the ladder in the PBA’s all-time blocks list.
Barangay Ginebra’s star forward leaped from No. 15 to No. 12 with a total of 583 swats in his career after tallying seven rejections in the Gin Kings’ 92-84 Game 3 win over Meralco in the Governors’ Cup Finals.
Aguilar tied the legendary four-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio at No. 14 when he totaled 576 blocks after Game 2 before his personal block party in Game 3 moved him past Abe King (580) and Poch Juinio (582).
“Ever since I started playing basketball, shot blocking has been my niche,” said Aguilar in Filipino Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. “I was a shot blocker in high school and college and that’s my role.”
Aguilar finished with 23 points, four rebounds, and seven blocks and his defensive stat was the second-highest of his 11-year career.
“I know my strengths and shot-blocking is one of them,” said Aguilar. “I try to do my best in terms of my abilities.”
The 6-foot-9 forward is averaging 3.7 swats in the finals series.
“It was a block party out there. And, you know, that’s one of his greatest skills, I think. He’s got great timing, he gets off the floor so quick, and of course he’s so long. You think you got the shot off, and he comes out of nowhere and does that,” Ginebra coach Tim Cone said.
“That’s something that he’s been working on through the years, I think. He’s recognized that’s a fun skill for him. That’s something that keys the team, that keys the fans. Blocking shots is a big turnaround play.”