Japeth Aguilar, the top overall pick in the recent PBA Rookie Draft whom Burger King coach Yeng Guiao said would be the next big thing in the pro league, is facing a possible ‘lifetime ban’ from the PBA for his refusal to sign with the Whopper.

Burger King team manager and PBA incoming chairman Lito Alvarez made the warning after he met with Aguilar and his agent, sports columnist Ronnie Nathanielz recently and was informed that the one-time Ateneo Blue Eagle is not going to play with them in the coming tournament.

Alvarez was also told that the 6-foot-10 Aguilar will instead play for the Smart-Gilas.

The Whopper, according to Alvarez, has made an offer to Aguilar worth roughly P8.7 million spread over three years, but Aguilar, through his agent Nathanielz, rejected the offer and said he no longer wanted to join BK and play in the pro league.

“I really do not know what the sanctions are (if he doesn’t sign), a ban maybe from playing in the PBA,” Alvarez said in yesterday’s SCOOP sa Kamayan Session in Padre Faura, Manila.

“Hindi natin gusto na mangyari kay Japeth ito, I am still hoping that he will reconsider his decision. Pero kung hindi siya lalaro, we’ll teach him a lesson. Natatakot ako sa pwedeng mangyari sa kanya kapag board na ang nag-decision,” he added.

If Aguilar officially rejects the offer, Alvarez said that the PBA Board of Governors will tackle the issue.

Alvarez said that it’s obvious that the 23-year-old Aguilar is being advised by people with personal interest.

“My suggestion to Ronnie is, do not to make a mockery of the PBA rules. This is a 35-year institution. We should respect its constitution and by-laws. He’ll have to consult a lot of people here. He should get in touch first with the family of Japeth,” Alvarez said.

Reached for comment, Nathanielz said that BK, though it has the rights on Aguilar, cannot impose a ban on the player.

“How come they’re gonna ban him? On what grounds? Japeth has not made up his mind yet. We’re still consulting his father,” he said.

According to Alvarez, Aguilar mentioned in his letter that his reasons of joining Gilas, under Serbian mentor Rajko Toroman, is the exposure and playing time he would get as well as the chance to travel abroad with the national team.

Alvarez said he understands Aguilar’s desire to play for the Nationals. In fact, he said, even if Aguilar decides to sign with the Whopper, they will allow him to play for Gilas for various international competitions, saying: “We’re actually offering him the best of both worlds as he can play in the PBA and with the RP team.”

SBP executive director Noli Eala said the other day that the association has not communicated with Aguilar. Eala is not available for comment as of press time.

Alvarez has been trying to understand the reason behind Aguilar’s decision who will become the first overall pick to reject a team.

“The fact that he applied for the Draft, the intention is there to play in the PBA,” Alvarez said.

Aguilar was earlier reported to have been miffed by his lack of playing time during the FIBA-Asia championship in China.