MANILA---Japeth Aguilar, who was dropped from the Smart Gilas national team, has shown up at recent workouts of Talk ‘N Text, which is just eager to welcome him back.

Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes told the Inquirer that the 6-foot-9 Aguilar has yet to work out with the Texters, though, since he is still undergoing therapy for a knee injury.

Reyes said he believes that the move to TNT would be “best for Japeth because he will get the proper guidance,” adding that Aguilar had regrettably lost two years of his basketball career.

He added that Aguilar will benefit from playing with players like Kelly Williams, Jimmy Alapag and Harvey Carey.

Various injuries marked the stint in the national team of the lanky Aguilar, who played in the US NCAA Division I for Western Kentucky U.

Aguilar’s latest knee injury forced Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman to drop him from the national five that left the other day to play in the Dubai International Tournament.

PBA commissioner Chito Salud said the league has yet to receive a formal letter from Talk ‘N Text or the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) about the dropping of Aguilar from Smart Gilas.

Aguilar’s suiting up for Talk ‘N Text in the next two conferences is certain to be contested, although TNT officials claimed there was a provision in an agreement with the PBA that stated “once returned (to TNT) he (Aguilar) cannot go back” to Smart Gilas.

Smart Gilas is the national squad formed by the SBP headed by Manny V. Pangilinan, who also owns Talk ‘N Text.

Ronnie Nathanielsz, Phil. Daily Inquirer