Lesson in Humility

"Umuwi ka na baby..."

So 6"9 Japeth Aguilar's NBA dreams has hit another setback; this time by being cut from the NBA D-League team Santa Cruz Warriors' final 10 man season roster.

Well, we hate to say it if only because the meek and shallow minded would easily dismiss us as another Japeth-hater. First, you have to be worth a damn to have "haters." Second, we call Aguilar out for his flaws, in hopes that he or anyone close to him Googles his name on a daily basis and lands on this humble blog that's as honest as they come. We're not obsessed fanatics here, we won't pat your back after a bad game. We'll call it as we see it, and if you're serious about what you want to be (which, we presume is a legit and elite Filipino basketball player) then maybe you can consider what we (and other basketball fans like us) have to say.

Okay, back to Aguilar and his failed, most aggressive (to date) and nth attempt to be the next Jeremy Lin.

We've said this before and we'll say it again: other than growing a few inches and hitting the gym, Aguilar's game has been mediocre at best. He can run the floor, jump right out of the building and has a nice 15-17 ft. jumper.

So does a bunch of African-Americans who are even more athletic and coming off American programs. Ditto with the Europeans. Being 6"9 helps if he was trying to ply his trade in Asia, but out West, he's just another guy who can jump really high.

He doesn't rebound as much, which is understandable since he's been trying to make it appear that he's more of a wing player than a low post one.

Okay. We get it.

BUT Aguilar doesn't have the side-to-side lateral movement that's the biggest difference between traditional scoring guards (who slash to the hoop) and wings (who work the angles). He has handles, but not good enough to keep pesky defenders away.

You look at a guy like Lin and say Aguilar could be just like him given the right opportunity. We say, Lin's got a nice, well-rounded game (plays like traditional "white" guards) and was even a solid rebounder in high school and college. Aguilar? When did we ever hear him pull down 12 boards in at LEAST TWO consecutive games (and this is against smaller, local competition at that)?

Back home, Aguilar needs to play in a system that would understand his style. He's not a banger like Beau Belga and Sonny Thoss. He's not a shooter like Mick Pennisi. Really, the best guy that Aguilar could try to emulate is Talk 'n' Text teammate Ranidel de Ocampo.

RDO has found a niche in the PBA (though it took some time for the recognitions and accolades to come) as arguably the best two-way big man today. He can play the post (where he is the best), can shoot from deep and even make heads-up plays every now and then depending on the situation. On defense, all elbow jokes aside, RDO is as solid as they come (when his mind is right of course).

Aguilar's advantage over RDO is that he's at least two notches quicker, younger and taller.

Then there's his old coach from Ateneo who just so happens to be with TNT this season: Norman Black.

Unlike other coaches who reduce bigs to rebounding role players, we believe in Black's ability to squeeze the best out of his bigs. There might be an issue with Aguilar's insistence (stubborness) in playing the SF spot, but among RDO-Black and former PBA MVP Kelly Williams, Aguilar's bound to learn from the best in the business.

That, or he ends up back in Yeng Guiao's arms. Guiao doesn't have the patience for Aguilar's drama, but he will let the 6"9 jumping Jack play whatever position he feels most comfortable with (just ask Gabe Norwood). We'd normally throw in Tim Cone in the discussion, but he prefers his bigs as more of post players to anchor the triangle-- save for Joe DeVance.

So yeah Aguilar, maybe it's high time to come home. Dominate Manila. Dominate the Philippines. Be SMART Gilas' de facto 4 man and shine like Yi JianLian does for China, and earn your NBA look from there.

That, or just see your prime pass you by wailing away in small American tournaments and club meets.