MANILA, Philippines — Veteran big man Japeth Aguilar is expected to miss Barangay Ginebra next two crucial matches in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone bared the not so good news as the athletic big man is only scheduled to be discharged from the hospital either Monday or Tuesday following a hard fall he sustained in the Gin Kings’ 115-107 triumph against the Blackwater Bossing last Saturday.
“I think the first step is getting out of the hospital, and then we’ll decide from there,” Cone said, shortly after Ginebra’s 119-107 win against lowly Titan Ultra on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Ginebra battles Meralco on Friday, followed by league leader Rain or Shine on Sunday.
Cone said there’s no certainty at all if the 39-year-old slotman can see action by then. “But he’s doubtful for this coming weekend, but I wouldn’t rule them out altogether. But I think he’s doubtful for these coming games when we play on Friday and Sunday.” The Gin Kings have won their last five games to grab a share of second spot with the NLEX Road Warriors at 7-2.
So far, ROS, Ginebra and NLEX have clinched playoff berths, and are in strong contention to seize a top 4 finish, which guarantees a twice-to-beat advantage heading to the quarterfinals.
Aguilar’s bad fall happened following a collision with Blackwater’s beefy import Robert Upshaw in mid-air during the early goings of the fourth quarter.
He managed to get up moments, later, but went straight to the dugout, before leaving the playing venue while the game was ongoing, to get medical attention in a hospital.
Lab test was done to check if Aguilar sustained any trauma from that collision, but Cone said his prized veteran big man is out of danger.
“He’s out of danger and he’s not serious apparently,” said Cone. “I hope I’m telling you the right information, but that’s what I know so far.” The multi-titled PBA coach said there’s really no clear timetable on Aguilar’s return.
“We don’t have a time frame in terms of when he’ll be back into the lineup and ready to play,” said Cone. “Hopefully, we’ll put a game plan together in terms of getting him back in the lineup.”
