Japeth Aguilar

College career

Aguilar played his freshman season for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in 2004, but his campaign was cut short by appendicitis. In 10 games and 55 minutes of action, he recorded 13 points, 11 rebounds and 10 blocks. As a sophomore in 2005, he averaged 5.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game, leading the UAAP in rejections with 48 blocks over 16 contests. He shot 55.4 percent from the field and posted multiple blocks in 12 of the Blue Eagles' 16 games, including a career-high seven blocks.

He then transferred to Western Kentucky University, entering the NCAA as a junior in 2007. In his collegiate debut against Kennesaw State on November 9, 2007, he had four points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. He later collected two points, five rebounds and three blocks against Kentucky Wesleyan before an injury in practice sidelined him for the remainder of the year. As a senior, he appeared in only 14 games, averaging five minutes per contest.

Return to the Philippines

The Burger King Whoppers selected Aguilar with the first overall pick in the 2009 PBA draft. Days later, he announced he would join the Smart Gilas Pilipinas developmental program, sparking controversy and a league ban from PBA governor Lito Alvarez. An amicable settlement was reached on October 9, 2009, with SBP president Manny Pangilinan and executive director Noli Eala intervening.

Aguilar signed a one-year contract with the Whoppers, playing his only professional game for them in the season opener, a 93–80 loss to Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants. He was then traded to Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters via Barako Bull Energy Boosters and loaned to Smart Gilas, where he remained until after the 2012 London Olympics Asian Qualifier. He also played for Talk 'N Text during the 2011–12 season.

Pursuing the NBA dream

After his Talk 'N Text contract expired in 2012, Aguilar pursued NBA opportunities, becoming the first player born and raised in the Philippines to receive an NBA team workout invitation. He attended open workouts with the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA D-League, recording 10 points, five blocks, four rebounds and an assist. In late September 2012, he worked out with the New Orleans Hornets, and also attended workouts with the San Antonio Spurs.

In early October 2012, he worked out with the Santa Cruz Warriors, who expressed interest in drafting him. On November 2, 2012, the Santa Cruz Warriors selected Aguilar as the 109th overall pick in the seventh round of the NBA D-League draft, making him the first Filipino drafted in the league. After surviving two cuts, he was waived on November 22 but was offered a practice player contract, which he declined to consider other options.

Return to PBA

After his NBA attempt failed, Aguilar requested a trade from Talk 'N Text and was sent to GlobalPort Batang Pier for Rabeh Al-Hussaini. On June 11, 2013, as part of a four-team trade, he was moved to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Paired with Greg Slaughter as the "Twin Towers," he debuted with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 blocks against San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, then recorded his first double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds against Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

On December 8, 2013, he hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left against Talk 'N Text and blocked the tying attempt, finishing with 21 points, 12 rebounds and 7 blocks. On December 28, 2013, he made a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer against Meralco Bolts, tallying 15 points and 11 rebounds. He was named to the PBA All-Defensive Team and PBA Mythical Second Team on October 14, 2016. On January 6, 2022, he signed a three-year contract extension with Barangay Ginebra.

Did You Know?

• In 2018, Aguilar became a Mobile Legends: Bang Bang ambassador for the LIGA event.
• His father, Peter, also played in the PBA.
• He married former beauty queen Cassandra Naidas in October 2019.