Japeth’s other goal

Aside from winning the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ crown early next year, Japeth Aguilar has one more goal in 2020 — to have his own family.

The Barangay Ginebra forward has another busy 2019 basketball-wise as aside from his stint with the Gin Kings, the six-foot-nine high-leaping forward also suited up for Gilas Pilipinas in the International Basketball Federation World Cup in China and in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, which the country hosted.

Aguilar knows he’s not getting any younger anymore and after marrying his long-time girlfriend Cassandra Naidas last October, the 32-year old cager hopes to start his own family soon.

“I’m just making the most of my basketball career because you can’t do it all over again. So, every chance that I get I just give everything out there,” Aguilar said.

“My dream is to start a family in 2020. That’s what I’ve been praying for. Next month will be my birthday and my wish is to have my own family next year,” he added.

Aguilar, who will turn 33 on 25 January, is instrumental in Ginebra’s 3-1 semifinal series win over NorthPort to advance to the best-of-seven championship series.

The Lubao, Pampanga native said the series was very physical and they needed to grind it out against the pesky Batang Pier.

“Painkillers became my best friend in this series. My shin hurts as well as my lower back. We really had to grind it out,” Aguilar said.

The next challenge for him is how to turn down invitations during the break as they need to be physically and mentally ready for the finals series, which starts on 7 January.

“I’ll be careful on how I’m going to spend the break because I have to maintain my condition. I have a lot of friends and families that are inviting me to parties but I have to be smart and coach Tim (Cone) reminded us with that,” Aguilar said.