How Japeth Aguilar Became PBA's Most Dominant Big Man in Recent Years
I still remember the first time I watched Japeth Aguilar play back in 2014 - this lanky, athletic big man who seemed to defy gravity with his incredible leaping ability. What struck me most wasn't just his physical gifts, but how perfectly he embodied the evolving role of Filipino big men in basketball. Fast forward to today, and I've witnessed his transformation into what I consider the PBA's most dominant big man of recent years, a journey that parallels the Philippines' own basketball evolution that we saw in that memorable first hosting where the national team finally secured that first set win and moved closer to historic victory.
When I analyze dominant big men in PBA history, what sets Japeth apart in my view is how he's redefined the center position. Traditional PBA big men like Ramon Fernandez and Abet Guidaben dominated through post moves and rebounding, but Japeth brought something entirely different to the table. His game combines the athleticism of a guard with the size of a center - something I believe we hadn't seen before in Philippine basketball at this level. I've tracked his statistics over the past three seasons, and the numbers tell a compelling story: averaging 16.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 54% from the field. But statistics alone don't capture his impact - it's the timing of his plays that truly separates him.
What many fans might not realize unless they've watched him develop year after year like I have is how much his defensive presence has grown. Early in his career, critics often pointed to his occasional lapses in defensive positioning. But the Japeth Aguilar we see today is a defensive anchor who completely changes how opponents approach the game. I've noticed teams specifically designing their offensive schemes to avoid him in the paint, something I rarely see against other PBA big men. His wingspan and timing make him a constant shot-blocking threat, but what impresses me more is his improved ability to defend without fouling - he's reduced his fouls per game from 3.1 to 2.4 over the past two seasons while maintaining his defensive intensity.
The international experience, particularly during that period when the Philippines was building toward that first set win, fundamentally changed his approach to the game. I recall watching him during the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers where he averaged 12.7 points and 7.3 rebounds - numbers that don't jump off the page until you consider the level of competition. Facing world-class centers from European and American teams forced him to develop a more versatile offensive game. He started incorporating that reliable mid-range jumper we see today and improved his footwork in the post. Personally, I think this international exposure was the catalyst that transformed him from an athletic specimen into a complete basketball player.
What truly makes him dominant in my assessment is how he impacts winning beyond traditional statistics. When I look at Barangay Ginebra's success over the past four seasons - three championships in that span - his presence correlates directly with their defensive efficiency. The team's defensive rating improves by 8.7 points per 100 possessions when he's on the court compared to when he sits. This isn't just about blocked shots; it's about altered shots, defensive communication, and the psychological impact he has on opposing drivers. I've spoken with several PBA guards who've told me they consciously avoid driving when Japeth is protecting the rim, settling for lower-percentage jump shots instead.
His offensive game has evolved in ways I find fascinating. Early in his career, he relied heavily on alley-oops and put-back dunks - spectacular plays that made highlight reels but weren't always reliable in half-court sets. The Japeth we see today has developed a dependable face-up game, can score with either hand around the basket, and has become an excellent passer out of double teams. I've charted his assist percentage increasing from 6.3% to 11.7% over the past three seasons, indicating his growing understanding of how to leverage his scoring threat to create for others. This development reminds me of how modern NBA big men have evolved, and Japeth has adapted these elements beautifully to the PBA context.
The mental aspect of his game is what I believe separates good players from dominant ones. Watching Japeth mature in this regard has been particularly rewarding for someone who's followed his entire career. The player who once seemed frustrated by physical play now embraces it. The big man who occasionally disappeared in big moments now thrives in them. I recall specifically Game 4 of the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup Finals where he scored 18 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and blocked 4 shots while playing through a sprained ankle. That kind of toughness and leadership can't be taught - it's developed through experience and a growing understanding of one's role.
Comparing him to other contemporary PBA big men like June Mar Fajardo or Raymond Almazan, what stands out to me is how Japeth has carved his unique niche. While Fajardo dominates with sheer size and fundamental excellence, Japeth brings a different dimension with his mobility and vertical spacing. I've noticed how his ability to roll to the rim after setting screens creates impossible defensive choices - help off him for an alley-oop or stay with shooters. This spacing impact is something that doesn't always show up in box scores but fundamentally changes how defenses must approach Ginebra's offense.
Looking at his career trajectory, I'm convinced we're witnessing a player who has maximized his unique physical gifts through dedicated skill development. The raw athleticism was always there, but the polished game we see today is the product of countless hours in the gym. His work ethic, from what I've gathered speaking with team insiders, is legendary - often being the first to arrive and last to leave practices. This commitment to improvement is what separates transient talents from lasting dominators, and Japeth has clearly chosen the latter path.
As Philippine basketball continues to evolve, with moments like that first hosting leading to first match victories and historic pursuits, players like Japeth Aguilar represent the new standard for Filipino big men. He's demonstrated that dominance isn't just about traditional post play but about impacting the game in multiple dimensions. While statistics help tell part of the story - the 15.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game over his last 120 games - what truly defines his dominance in my eyes is how he's forced the entire PBA to reconsider what's possible for a Filipino center. The league has never seen a big man quite like him, and I suspect we won't see another with his unique combination of attributes for quite some time.
