Barangay Ginebra San Miguel big man Japeth Aguilar will likely be out for the team’s crucial weekend games—first against the Meralco Bolts on Friday and then versus the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Sunday.
Tim Cone bared the unfortunate news on Sunday night after Ginebra handled the Titan Ultra Giant Risers for its seventh win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
“The first step is just getting out of the hospital, and then we’ll decide to go from there and you know, he’ll have to get into practice. So, you know, he’s doubtful for this coming weekend, but I wouldn’t rule him out altogether. But I think he’s doubtful for this weekend…,” Cone told reporters.
What Happened to Japeth Aguilar?
Japeth Aguilar sustained what appears to be a lung issue after taking a hit from Robert Upshaw III, followed by a bad fall, in Ginebra’s win over the Blackwater Bossing last week. Aguilar went back to the dugout right after and left early to go to the hospital afterward.
“I can’t even pronounce the words that they’re using that I had to go and look up on and Google and try to figure out what they were telling me,” Cone said when asked about Aguilar’s injury. “I’m not going to try to tell you guys because it’s a third party. But he basically has some air in his lungs and some air in the pockets around his lungs, and you need to squeeze to take that out.”
Based on Cone’s account and what happened in the game against Blackwater, it appears Japeth Aguilar suffered a pneumothorax, or a collapsed lung—the same injury sustained a few months ago by Detroit Pistons superstar Cade Cunningham. But, barring any medical confirmation from the Ginebra camp, fans can only speculate as to what actually sidelined the veteran big man, who also previously missed games this conference due to a knee issue.
“Right now, we’re just saying that he’s doubtful for this weekend,” Cone clarified. “First step, get out of the hospital. After that, then we’ll decide how we’re going to go from there.”
Out of Danger
While that’s some bad luck, Ginebra and its legion of fans can at least rest easy because, according to Cone, Japeth Aguilar isn’t necessarily in any danger.
“He’s out of danger and it’s not serious, apparently. So, I hope I’m telling you the right information,” he said.
Aguilar has played only five games this conference so far and is averaging just 8.2 points and 3.8 rebounds on 17.6 minutes a game.
