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Ginebra coach Cone all praises for 'the other Aguilar'

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Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/sports/01/28/012818-smb.jpg"/><figcaption>Ginebra&#x27;s Raymond Aguilar battles for position against San Miguel&#x27;s Matt Ganuelas-Rosser. Josh Albelda, <a href="https://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/photos" target="_blank">ABS-CBN Sports</a></figcaption></figure></div>MANILA, Philippines – With Greg Slaughter still sidelined due to a strained hamstring, Barangay Ginebra desperately needed a big man who can step up in their game against San Miguel Beer on Sunday.Enter Aguilar. No, not Japeth – Raymond Aguilar.The burly forward does not often play major minutes for Ginebra, but with Slaughter still sitting out, he found himself thrust in a starting role. On Sunday, he repaid the trust of head coach Tim Cone with an impressive performance.Matched-up against SMB star June Mar Fajardo, Aguilar came up with 16 points and two rebounds in nearly 29 minutes. He scored five quick points to open the final frame, and his lay-up with 11 minutes left to play gave Ginebra its biggest lead, 80-66.&quot;I can&#x27;t talk enough about Raymond Aguilar,&quot; Cone said after the game, which Ginebra won 100-96 in heart-stopping fashion. &quot;The other Aguilar.&quot;&quot;He was just phenomenal,&quot; the head coach gushed. &quot;He guarded June Mar all game long. We didn&#x27;t want to put Japeth (Aguilar) on June Mar, because we didn&#x27;t want Japeth to get in foul trouble. So that chore went to Raymond.&quot;&quot;And he made big shots, he made big plays on his own. It was amazing. He played out of his mind tonight,&quot; he added.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/news/2018/01/28/defense-key-ginebra-arresting-slump-says-la-36811">READ: Defense key to Ginebra arresting slump, says LA</a></li></ul>Fajardo still scored 33 points, but 20 of those came in the first half, and the reigning MVP was mostly shackled during crunch time.For Cone, Aguilar&#x27;s performance was something that Ginebra sorely needed.&quot;I can&#x27;t thank him enough,&quot; said the coach. &quot;We really needed a big game from somebody.&quot;The Gin Kings got solid contributions from Japeth Aguilar and LA Tenorio, who each scored 23 points, and Scottie Thompson, who had 10 rebounds and eight assists. But Aguilar&#x27;s efforts on both ends of the floor were an unexpected bonus for Ginebra.The former National University big man, who went undrafted in the 2009 PBA Rookie Draft, downplayed his contributions.&quot;Total team effort lang talaga,&quot; said Aguilar. &quot;Sinabi lang ni coach, &#x27;next man up.&#x27; Buti nag-step up &#x27;yung mga reserve niya, so &#x27;yun, naka-tsamba ng panalo.&quot;&quot;Kumpiyansan lang,&quot; he added. &quot;Binigyan niya ako ng mga kaunting plays para sa&#x27;kin, so swerte na pumasok naman.&quot;Slaughter is expected to return to Ginebra on Saturday, which means that Aguilar&#x27;s minutes will take a dip anew. Nevertheless, the big man said he will stay ready.&quot;Mapasok ako o hindi, okay lang naman,&quot; said Aguilar. &quot;Sanay naman tayo doon.&quot;For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com" target="_blank">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.

Ginebra coach Cone all praises for 'the other Aguilar'

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Ginebra coach Cone all praises for 'the other Aguilar'

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 29, 2018 12:14 AM PHT

Read More:

PBA

PBA Philippine Cup

San Miguel Beermen

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings

Tim Cone

Raymond Aguilar

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