Pursuing The NBA Dream
On September 12, 2012, Aguilar was evaluated by two NBA scouts in California, one of which is said to be from the San Antonio Spurs. According to sources not authorized to speak, Aguilar was tasked to do workout sessions that consists of basic game-simulation NBA drills.
Days before the evaluation, Aguilar attended some open workouts, including the ones hosted by the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Developmental League. Aguilar's team lost but he had managed to put up great statistics, ending up with 10 points after making five of the nine shots he attempted, including three electrifying dunks. He topped his effort by adding five massive blocks, four rebounds and an assist. After the workout with Bakersfield Jam, Aguilar is said to have made it to the top 20 among 80 players who have attended the open workout.
Late September 2012, Aguilar has been invited to a two-day workout for another NBA team in the Eastern Conference. He is said to have worked out with the New Orleans Hornets. After the workout, New Orleans Hornets scout Don Sellers liked Aguilar's athleticism, agility and potential, but believes Aguilar is not yet ready for the NBA.
Early October 2012, Aguilar worked out with the NBA D-League Team Santa Cruz Warriors.The Warriors said they would draft him if he is still available when their turn comes in the draft. According to Leo Balayon, the CalTech assistant coach who is supervising Aguilar’s skills training in the United States, “Japeth played really well. He was very active and aggressive. He had a couple of dunks and there was one sequence where he shot back-to-back 3s. After the tryout ended, Warriors officials told Japeth’s agent that they would draft him. They really want him and he didn't disappoint the team.”
It is believed that Aguilar is the first player born and raised in the Philippines to ever receive an invitation to work out with an NBA team. After some hard work over the years and in the offseason, Japeth has gained about 40 lbs of muscle. He increased his workload in the gym and changed up his workout routine. He is ready and set to make an impression on scouts and has a dream of one day playing in the NBA.
Read more about this topic: Japeth Aguilar
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