JAPETH AGUILAR

National coach Joseller “Yeng” Guiao Sunday said he finds Japeth Aguilar’s explanation for turning his back on Burger King unacceptable.

“Kung ’yun lang ang reason nila, that they want a longer playing time for Japeth, I think that’s very superficial and shallow,” said Guiao.

Guiao, who coaches Burger King, said Aguilar had limited playing time because he still lacks international experience.

Sports columnist Ronnie Nathanielz, Aguilar’s agent, said his father, former PBA player Peter Aguilar, felt slighted with the way Guiao used his son in the recent FIBA-Asia championship in Tianjin, China.

Aguilar’s playing time was one of the reasons why Aguilar chose not to sign up with Burger King and join the Smart-Gilas national developmental pool.

Guiao said the problem with the Aguilars is that they wanted too much too soon.

“Kung ’yun ang reason nila, napaka-immature naman nila,” rued Guiao. “He needs to earn the respect just like Asi Taulava, Mick Pennisi and Kerby Raymundo. Whoever is advising Japeth is doing him a great disservice.”

Guiao said Aguilar should be grateful that he was made to play for the Powerade-Team Pilipinas.

“I put my credibility when it took him blindly to the national team. But every time I am being asked about him, I always say that he’s going to be the next dominant big man in the PBA,” he said.

Despite his talent and height, Guiao maintained that Aguilar’s experience was not enough.

“Even a veteran like Ranidel de Ocampo was put on the reserved list so that Japeth can be included to the line-up. It’s because we want to give him the experience,” he added.

Aguilar’s decision to join Smart-Gilas left Burger King without its No. 1 draft pick.

Burger King representative Lito Alvarez, the incoming PBA chairman, is recommending a “lifetime ban” against Aguilar who was offered a three-year contract approximately worth P8.7 million by the Whopper.

PBA commissioner Renauld “Sonny” Barrios has sought the opinion of the league’s legal counsels before coming up with a decision with regards to Aguilar’s case.