Japeth now with Talk ‘N Text?

10/13/2009

In the end, Burger King got what it wanted from and for Japeth Aguilar.

Aguilar, who was almost quiet in the Whoppers’ 93-80 defeat at the hands of Purefoods on opening day Sunday of the PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum, was reportedly traded to Talk ‘N Text through a third party squad yesterday to end the dragging drama that started when the player hedged on signing his contract with Burger King as this year’s top draft pick.

According to reliable sources, the 6-foot-10 former Western Kentucky University standout is headed to the Tropang Texters with Red Bull Barako acting as the conduit.

League rules prohibit sister teams like Burger King and Talk ‘N Text from engaging in a direct trade. Both clubs are under the stewardship of Manny Pangilinan, who is also the president of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) which created the Smart Gilas program.

One of the sources said with the 22-year old Aguilar in the Talk ‘N Text’s camp, it would be easier for him to see action with Smart Gilas in the ongoing Philippine Cup.

Another source said Aguilar will be donning the national colors when Smart Gilas make its debut on Friday — ironically, against Burger King.

Tribune tried but Talk ‘N Text governor Ricky Vargas and Burger King governor Lito Alvarez could not be reached for comment. The PBA, however, has yet to receive a confirmation from both teams.

Aguilar, a lanky center high on Rajko Toroman’s wish list, rejected the maximum three-year, P8.7-million offer of Burger King after making him the top overall pick in the recent PBA draft.

He joined the Smart Gilas only to make a last-minute change of heart two days before the opening of the season, inking a one-year pact with the Whoppers — a deal facilitated by Pangilinan and other top SBP executives. Julius Manicad

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