Japeth Aguilar backs up Gilas after Kai Sotto's injury

Japeth Aguilar is prepared to step in as a backup big man for Gilas Pilipinas after Kai Sotto's ACL injury sidelines him for six months.

Coach Tim Cone sees Mr. Aguilar, who has played under him at Ginebra, as a guiding presence for younger players like AJ Edu and June Mar Fajardo during the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in February against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand.

Mr. Sotto's absence delays the debut of Coach Cone's dream lineup featuring Messrs. Sotto and Edu together on the court.

The SBP and Gilas stalwarts expressed support for Mr. Sotto, who described his injury as 'the darkest day of my basketball career.'

Japeth Aguilar encouraged Mr. Sotto to stay positive and trust in God's plan, while the SBP assured its full support for his recovery.