Gilas Pilipinas Head Coach Tim Cone lauded Japeth Aguilar for his sacrifice when he joined the national team in the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, Latvia.
In a Twitter post on Tuesday, July 9, Cone divulged that he begged Aguilar to join the team even though the eight-time PBA champion wanted to step aside in order to give way to young players, as well as spend more time with his wife and new baby.
Cone said that Aguilar agreed to once again wear the Gilas Pilipinas jersey after an injury prevent Aj Edu from playing in the Olympic qualifiers.
"(Aguilar) led us, he was our team captain. His sacrifice for country was total," Cone stressed.
The five-time PBA Coach of the Year made the remarks amidst the criticisms received by Aguilar for his performance in the Olympic qualifiers.
Gilas Pilipinas failed to secure a ticket for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France after falling to Brazil, 71-60, in the semifinals of the Latvia qualifiers.
Brazil grabbed an Olympics spot after beating, 94-69, in the final match.
