Former Talk 鈥橬 Text head coach and current Smart-Gilas leadman Chot Reyes had some sage advice for Japeth Aguilar after the latter demanded a trade even before he came back to the country in time for the upcoming PBA Commissioner鈥檚 Cup.
Aguilar, the son of former PBA player Peter Aguilar, came out from his shell the other day and demanded a trade from the Tropang Texters camp through his Philippine-based agent, Marvin Espiritu.
The 6-foot-9 center from Ateneo and Western Kentucky is currently in the United States, where he was trying to pursue a career in the NBA D-League.
Reyes, the man who handled Aguilar in his time with both the Gilas and the Texters, did not agree with the latter鈥檚 actions and had some timely advice for the 25-year old, which he publicly stated on Twitter yesterday.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not good to publicly demand to be traded, especially due to playing time. Especially when your team just won the title. This smacks of selfishness,鈥澛� said Reyes, whose Gilas team was still coming back to the country from a stint in the 24th Dubai International basketball tournament.
鈥淚f you really want to play, why go to the NBA/NBDL? You think you can play a lot there? You played 20 minutes per game聽 in your last All-Filipino stint. This is not enough? Son,playing time is EARNED,not demanded/expected.聽 If you wanna play at crunchtime, work聽 hard so your coach can鈥檛 afford to sit you. If he does, work anyway.鈥�
Reyes, though, recognized Aguilar鈥檚 potential for greatness but advised Aguilar to do a little bit of introspection.
鈥淵ou are the most physically gifted Pinoy baller EVER. But why didn鈥檛 you play at WKentucky? At Gilas? In NBDL? It鈥檚 the coaches鈥� fault? Think about it.鈥�
In spite of his critique, Reyes maintained that he was behind the youngster all the way.
鈥淚 have nothing to gain whatever you decide. I want what鈥檚 best for you. Come home son. Make ur name here.This is where you belong. So play eight or 48 minutes, dunk on somebody 鈥� but do it HERE. And know whatever happens, I will be behind you always.