MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas showed an admirable performance in the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga.

The Nationals, who were able to defeat world ranked no.6 Latvia and almost completed a 20-point comeback against no.23 Georgia, were two quarters away from booking a Finals spot but lost steam in the second half of their semifinals clash against no. 12 Brazil.

Among those leading the team were PH stars Justin Brownlee, Dwight Ramos, June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, and CJ Perez. But one member of the roster received criticism from fans after their three-game stint in Latvia — Gilas team captain Japeth Aguilar.

A multiple-time national team member, the 6-foot-9 Aguilar was added to the team last February by head coach Tim Cone but received flak from fans online after their semis exit.

READ: Japeth Aguilar, Mason Amos get Gilas Pilipinas call-up

Cone addressed the criticisms on X [formerly Twitter], hailing the Barangay Ginebra big man for his service to the country and emphasizing the importance of Aguilar to the team.

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone. Photo from FIBA.

“I begged Japeth to join us in Latvia,” the winningest coach in PBA history penned of Aguilar, who averaged 2.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, an assist, and a block in 12.7 minutes in three games.

Cone revealed that Aguilar, who already previously retired from Gilas duties, even originally refused to join the squad.

“He wanted to let the young guys do it and spend more time with his wife and new baby. Kept begging him. When AJ Edu went down, he finally relented after more begging,” the coach revealed.

“He led us, he was our team captain. His sacrifice for [the] country was total.”

Aguilar, alongside Mason Amos, was added to the team as a reserve due to the injuries of Edu and Jamie Malonzo.

Before his OQT stint, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle also suited up for Gilas in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and averaged 7.0 markers, 3.0 boards, a steal, and half an assist in two games.