Photo credit: @isthatlem via SBP

Gilas Pilipinas notched a commanding 95-71 win over Guam to sweep its two-game window in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers—but the night belonged just as much to one man: Japeth Aguilar.

Before the game, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas presented Japeth with a framed Gilas jersey, a tribute to a career that began in 2009 and helped define an entire era of Philippine basketball. From Coach Yeng to Rajko, Chot, Tab, and Tim, Japeth played under the country’s brightest basketball minds. He battled alongside teammates who came and went—some even changing hairstyles faster than fast breaks—but his commitment to the flag never changed.

Inside the Blue Eagle Gym, Gilas delivered a blistering start. Justin Brownlee and Dwight Ramos sparked a 17-3 opening run that immediately set the tone. Brownlee finished with 20 points, five rebounds, and seven assists, perfect from the line at 8-of-8. Ramos added 19 points and seven boards on sharp 7-of-9 shooting. Kevin Quiambao contributed 12, while Chris Newsome added 10 as Gilas matched Australia atop Group A with identical 2-0 records.

Then came Japeth’s moment.

Inserted by Coach Tim Cone into the starting lineup, he played more than 10 minutes—scoring three points, grabbing a rebound, and soaking in one final applause from the crowd he inspired for years.

Japeth Aguilar has officially hung up his Gilas Pilipinas jersey—finally getting to “sit under his own vine and fig tree,” a quiet moment in the shade after years of service to a team he helped build.

“Thank you, Japeth Aguilar, for teaching us how to say goodbye. One last time,” SBP wrote.

A heartfelt farewell to a legend.

Japeth’s final slam—delivered not on the rim, but in the hearts of the nation.