PBA: Not getting any younger, Japeth Aguilar relishes finals return

Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar dunks during a game against San Miguel in the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra star big man Japeth Aguilar has been putting up some of the best basketball in his career in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

However, Aguilar knows he has to take his game to another level in the upcoming finals showdown with defending champion TNT.

“The Finals is different. Whatever I did in the past games, it doesn’t matter,” said Aguilar in Filipino in an interview with Inquirer Sports.

READ: PBA Finals: Tim Cone, Ginebra locked in on getting back at TNT

“My approach in any game is, I just have to focus on my role. I want to help the team as much as I can and that’s been my mindset ever since the beginning of the conference.”

Aguilar is averaging 18 points and 6.1 rebounds per game this conference for the Gin Kings.

Against eight-time MVP and San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo in the semifinals, Aguilar held his own, posting 17.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in six games.

The 37-year-old Aguilar is not getting any younger that’s why he’s relishing still being able to perform at a high level as well as being back for another Finals run.

READ: PBA: Fajardo still leads BPC race but Ginebra duo close behind

“I cherish every moment because I don’t know when this will happen again. I’m in the latter part of my career and this even makes it more difficult for me individually.”

“I have to exert more energy and effort but mainly, my goal is to do the best I can to help the team.”

Game 1 of the PBA Finals is on Sunday at Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday.