Gilas Pilipinas has bolstered its lineup for the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers with the addition of Japeth Aguilar.

Head coach Tim Cone confirmed Aguilar’s inclusion in the team roster for the upcoming games against Hong Kong on February 22 and Chinese Taipei on February 25. Aguilar’s call-up comes as a response to the absence of June Mar Fajardo and AJ Edu, who are both sidelined due to injuries.

Fajardo, the seven-time PBA MVP, will miss the qualifiers after sustaining a calf injury during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals. Meanwhile, Edu, who suffered a meniscus tear during his campaign in the Japan B.League, has also been ruled out of contention.

Cone expressed gratitude for Aguilar’s availability, emphasizing the importance of his addition to the team, particularly in filling the void left by Fajardo and Edu. Aguilar’s size, versatility, and experience are expected to provide Gilas Pilipinas with much-needed depth and firepower in the frontcourt.