Ex-agent mulls case vs Aguilar

MANILA, Philippines - For Japeth Aguilar, things are getting more complicated with his former agent, Virtual Sports Management (VSM), also hot on his trail.

Edgar Tan has told The STAR his partner Dondon Monteverde is now in consultation with lawyers on how to deal their case with Aguilar.

Tan and Monteverde, who also handle the careers of James Yap, Arwind Santos, Joe Devance and Ken Bono among others, said they have a binding contract to be the agents/managers of Aguilar.

“We have a contract signed by Japeth and his mother Josie as guardian. The lawyers are looking at it if there’s a breach,” said Tan.

“We want to help him. Japeth’s in a mess with somebody meddling in,” said Tan.

Tan said they handled Japeth as early as his high school days at Mapua then Ridley International.

“We just opted out when he went to the United States since players are not allowed to be handled by managers in the US NCAA. We don’t want to jeopardize his stint there,” said Tan.

“During his stint with Ateneo, we also stayed on the sidelines, respecting the school’s authority. We gave them the full hand in handling Japeth,” Tan added.

Apparently, their contract is for VSM to take care of Aguilar after his collegiate stint.

“We had a dinner with him upon his return from the United States. We asked him his plan. He said none so far. Then during the course of his stint with the national team in the Jones Cup, there’s this news that he’s applied for the PBA draft,” said Tan.

Aguilar is also facing possible sanction from the PBA after turning his back on the local pro league which made him the No. 1 overall pick by Burger King in the recent rookie draft.

Aguilar said he will instead play for the Smart Gilas developmental team. – Nelson Beltran