Chot Reyes tells off Japeth Aguilar on Twitter: ‘Playing time is earned, not demanded’

AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan

SMART-Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes took to Twitter on Monday to give some ‘fatherly advice’ to former Talk ‘N Text player Japeth Aguilar, whom he coached last season with the Tropang Texters.

Reyes’ tweets were in reaction to a report that Aguilar was demanding a trade from Talk ‘N Text over issues about playing time. The Tropang Texters still hold the rights to Aguilar in the PBA.

1. It’s not good to publicly demand to be traded, esp due to playing time, ESP when ur team just won d title. This smacks of selfishness

— Chot Reyes (@coachot) January 21, 2013

2. If u really want to play, why go to NBA/NBDL? U think u can play a lot there? U played 20mins/g in ur last AllFil stint.This not enough?

— Chot Reyes (@coachot) January 21, 2013

3.Son,playing time is EARNED,not demanded/expected.Wanna play at crunchtime?Work SOHARD ur coach cnt afford 2 sit u. If he does,work anyway!

— Chot Reyes (@coachot) January 21, 2013

4. U are d most physically gifted Pinoy baller EVER. But why dint u play at WKentucky? At Gilas? In NBDL? It’s d coaches fault?Think bout it

— Chot Reyes (@coachot) January 21, 2013

5. I have nothing to gain whatever u decide cept I want whats best 4 u.Come home son.Make ur name here.THIS is where u belong #pinoypride

— Chot Reyes (@coachot) January 21, 2013

6. So cmon, play 8 or 48 mins, get ur ass kicked, dunk on somebody – but do it HERE. And know whatever happens, I will be behind u always.

— Chot Reyes (@coachot) January 21, 2013

Observers have long drooled over Aguilar’s potential because of his rare combination of height and athleticism. But for most of his career, the 6-foot-9 former Western Kentucky standout has seemed to wear out his welcome with coaches such as Yeng Guiao (Powerade Team Pilipinas), Rajko Toroman (SMART-Gilas), and Reyes, finding his playing time cut over the course of campaigns.

At the end of last season, Aguilar flew to the United States to try out for NBA D-League teams. He was drafted by the Santa Cruz Warriors, but failed to make the team’s regular roster.

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