Japeth Aguilar has no plans to retire from the PBA after saying farewell to Gilas

Philippine basketball veteran Japeth Aguilar recently said goodbye to Gilas Pilipinas, closing his national team chapter with a 95-71 victory over Guam at a packed Blue Eagle Gym on Monday, December 1. The win marked the final game of Gilas’ opening window in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Despite stepping away from the national team, Aguilar has no plans to retire from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). The 38-year-old confirmed in a media interview that he still has plenty to contribute for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and is eager to return to action in the ongoing Season 50 Philippine Cup.

“Hindi pa naman. Meron pang a few left in my contract,” Aguilar said.

HOMECOMING FINALE🦅🇵🇭

Former Blue Eagle Japeth Aguilar reflects on a fitting ending to his 16-year national team stint. Aguilar received a ceremonial ovation and award before Gilas Pilipinas’ World Cup Qualifier game against Guam in the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym.

Notably, the Gilas… pic.twitter.com/OLzve9dqP3

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Aguilar still has two years remaining on his current contract with Ginebra, meaning he could continue playing in the PBA until at least age 40.

Even at this stage of his career, Aguilar has maintained high-level performance. In the 2024–25 PBA season, he averaged 15.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.8 blocks, earning a spot in the 49th Season Mythical Second Team. He has carried that form into the current 50th Season, posting 14.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks for Ginebra in the ongoing Philippine Cup.

Aguilar was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 PBA Draft by the Burger King Whoppers. His decision to join the Smart Gilas Pilipinas developmental program initially caused controversy, though a compromise allowed him to play one game for Burger King. He later suited up for Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters and GlobalPort Batang Pier before joining Ginebra in 2013.

Since arriving at Barangay Ginebra, Aguilar has cemented his legendary status. He has led the club to eight PBA championships, earned the 2019 Governors’ Cup Finals MVP, was a two-time All-Star Game Co-MVP, and has been selected for nine PBA All-Star Games, among numerous other honors.

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