Aguilar says bridging gap between European, Asian teams starts with grassroots level

For Gilas Pilipinas Men forward Japeth Aguilar, the gap between European teams and Asian teams is still sizable, and he has been a personal witness to such during the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China.

The Philippines lost all 5 of their outings, including a 46-point blowout to Italy and a 59-point demolition to Serbia.

“Malaki yung gap ng European teams and Asian teams,” admitted the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel star. All five Asian teams failed to advance to the 2nd round, with Iran being the best placed squad from the continent to earn a ticket to the Olympics.

Aguilar suggested that addressing the gap should start as early as the grassroots level. Training the next generation to play the international way should be of good help for the Philippines in future competitions.

“Sa tingin ko, kailangan mag-start from (grassroots). Early stages sana, para at least maging mas prepared sa mga next na maglalaro,” said Aguilar.