Philippine Sports News and Updates

MANILA -- The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is counting on Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and its president Manny V. Pangilinan to help resolve the issue with No. 1 draft pick Japeth Aguilar.

“I think the key to the resolution of this issue with Japeth is SBP,” said PBA chairman and Burger King governor Lito Alvarez. Alvarez said the camp of the 6’10” Aguilar will be meeting with SBP officials Wednesday afternoon at Pangilinan’s Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co (PLDT) office.

“I have so much respect with Mr. Manny Pangilinan. 'Pag siya na mismo ang nakialam rito, I think may mangyayari na,” said Alvarez.

He hopes Aguilar would be prevailed upon to honor his commitment with Burger King, which made him No. 1 overall pick in the recent PBA Rookie Draft.

Alvarez and Pangilinan are partners at Burger King. They also sit in the SBP board.

Aguilar backtracked from signing up with Burger King because he wanted to play for Smart-Gilas Team. Ironically, Pangilinan is also funding the Smart-Gilas squad.

‘The best of both worlds’

Alvarez, however, said that he is offering the former Ateneo standout the “best of both worlds”.

“I’m giving him the best of both worlds, it’s basically double or nothing. If he signs up with us, I will allow him to play for Smart-Gilas team. He will have the opportunity to get a contract from the PBA, he will get another contract from Smart-Gilas,” said the PBA chairman.

If Japeth agrees to the arrangement, said Alvarez, he could earn a total of P60 million in his lifetime.

“At this point in time, PBA is offering a maximum [monthly salary’s worth] of P150,000 for the first year P225,000 for the second year and P337,500 for the third year. With Smart-Gilas, knowing the generosity of Mr. Pangilinan, chances are they will match what was offered by the PBA,” said Alvarez.

If this happens, he said, Aguilar could receive a “double” salary.

“That means in the first year, he will be able to get P300,000 in the first year, P150,000 on the second year and then in the third year it’s close to P700,000. So multiply that [to Aguilar’s potential number of playing years], it will be just about P60 million,” said Alvarez.

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