PBA: Japeth Aguilar putting up ‘MVP numbers,’ says Cone

Ginebra forward Japeth Aguilar dunks during a game against Phoenix in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone didn’t run out of praises for Japeth Aguilar after the Gin Kings’ victory in the PBA Governors’ Cup Friday night.

Aguilar deserved every bit of compliment from Cone after leading Ginebra to a much-needed win.

“He’s putting up, dare I say, MVP numbers at this point through this first round,” said a beaming Cone after his squad’s 110-101 win over Phoenix at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“He’s been very, very consistent all the way through this first round. He’s doing a great job of getting to his spots and we’re finding him and he’s taking advantage of mismatches on the floor. He’s been playing wonderfully.”

READ: PBA: Ginebra ‘showing some progress’ after 2nd straight victory

Aguilar notched a conference-high 31 points on top of four rebounds, two assists and one steal as Ginebra finally got a streak going in the tournament.

Entrusted as the team’s focal point in the paint following the departure of Christian Standhardinger, Aguilar, who is in his 14th season in the league, has seemingly found the fountain of youth as he rediscovered his prime form.

“I’ve never seen a 37-year-old player retain their athleticism like Japeth has,” Cone said.

“He’s still an incredible athlete. That makes him almost like a freak of nature to be able to play at that athletic level, still here at 37 years old.”