Japeth faces lifetime ban

MANILA, Philippines - Japeth Aguilar, the PBA top draftee, has decided to join the Smart Gilas team, foregoing his stint with Burger King despite threat of a lifetime ban from the pro league.

“He’s made a decision. He’ll not sign up with Burger King. He’ll play for the country,” said veteran newsman Ronnie Nathanielsz, representing the 6-foot-9 cager as agent.

“They (Burger King officials) said they would move for Japeth to be banned from the league but Japeth and his father said bahala na sila (let them be),’” Nathanielsz added.

Nathanielsz told The STAR that the Tianjin FIBA-Asia experience was an eye-opener for the prized rookie on his role on the future RP team which prompted him to offer his services to Smart Gilas.

Nathanielsz also said Aguilar has nothing against coach Yeng Guiao or the limited minutes he played in the Tianjin joust.

“He saw in Tianjin that he’ll be needed by Smart Gilas. He just wants to help the country,” said Nathanielsz.

The veteran newsman, a PBA long-timer, believes there’s no provision in the PBA by-laws that would close the door on Aguilar when he decides to rejoin the league.

Burger King top official Lito Alvarez, however, said the PBA board will impose severe sanction on the player.

“They’re making a mockery of a 35-year-old organization. I will not take this sitting down and I don’t think the PBA board will let it pass,” said Alvarez, the current PBA chair.

“He shouldn’t have joined the draft in the first place if he wants to play for Smart Gilas. Now that he joined the draft, he’s bound to comply with the rules,” Alvarez said. “I have offered Japeth a three-year maximum contract for a PBA rookie.”

Nathanielsz informed Alvarez of their plan as early as Wednesday. Alvarez, in turn, advised Nathanielsz to first consult with the parents of the player and with the league commissioner..

The BK top honcho thinks the player was ill advised on his decision not to turn pro.

“They’ll get to enjoy the best of both worlds in my offer since I’m giving him the maximum contract for three years and I’m allowing him to play for Smart Gilas on the side,” said Alvarez.