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Aguilar Sidelined As Ginebra Braces For Crucial Games
Photo credit: PBA
Barangay Ginebra will have to push through two key matchups in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup without veteran big man Japeth Aguilar still out of the rotation.
Head coach Tim Cone said the good news is Aguilar is no longer in serious danger after a scary fall, but the team isn’t rushing his return just yet.
“He’s out of danger and it’s not serious, from what we know,” Cone shared, adding that they’re taking things step by step. “The first priority is getting him out of the hospital, then we’ll figure out how to ease him back.”
Aguilar, who stands 6-foot-9, is expected to be discharged either Monday or Tuesday after being confined following a hard crash during Ginebra’s 115-107 win over Blackwater Bossing. The incident came after a collision with towering import Robert Upshaw.
While initial fears pointed to a more serious injury, team officials confirmed Aguilar tested negative for a punctured lung and rib fracture. The team is still awaiting final lab results to fully rule out any lung trauma.
For now, Cone admitted Aguilar is doubtful for the weekend games, meaning he could miss Ginebra’s matchups against Meralco Bolts and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
“I wouldn’t totally rule him out, but it’s unlikely he plays Friday or Sunday,” Cone said.
Despite the setback, Ginebra continues to roll. Fresh off a 119-107 win over Terrafirma Dyip at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Kings have already secured a spot in the quarterfinals.
Still, the upcoming games remain crucial. Wins against Meralco and Rain or Shine would strengthen their push for a Top 4 finish—and the all-important twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs.
For now, all eyes are on Aguilar’s recovery timeline as Ginebra looks to stay sharp without one of its key pillars.
Head coach Tim Cone said the good news is Aguilar is no longer in serious danger after a scary fall, but the team isn’t rushing his return just yet.
“He’s out of danger and it’s not serious, from what we know,” Cone shared, adding that they’re taking things step by step. “The first priority is getting him out of the hospital, then we’ll figure out how to ease him back.”
Aguilar, who stands 6-foot-9, is expected to be discharged either Monday or Tuesday after being confined following a hard crash during Ginebra’s 115-107 win over Blackwater Bossing. The incident came after a collision with towering import Robert Upshaw.
While initial fears pointed to a more serious injury, team officials confirmed Aguilar tested negative for a punctured lung and rib fracture. The team is still awaiting final lab results to fully rule out any lung trauma.
For now, Cone admitted Aguilar is doubtful for the weekend games, meaning he could miss Ginebra’s matchups against Meralco Bolts and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
“I wouldn’t totally rule him out, but it’s unlikely he plays Friday or Sunday,” Cone said.
Despite the setback, Ginebra continues to roll. Fresh off a 119-107 win over Terrafirma Dyip at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Kings have already secured a spot in the quarterfinals.
Still, the upcoming games remain crucial. Wins against Meralco and Rain or Shine would strengthen their push for a Top 4 finish—and the all-important twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs.
For now, all eyes are on Aguilar’s recovery timeline as Ginebra looks to stay sharp without one of its key pillars.
Apr 27, 2026
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