Returning Aguilar believes teamwork key for Gilas "brotherhood" to take closed-door win vs Qatar

Japeth Aguilar banks on teamwork with Scottie Thompson and the rest of Gilas to upend Qatar in a closed-door game. Rick Dela Cruz (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--With the one-game suspension already served on Thursday night at Iran, Gilas Pilipinas coach Yeng Guiao wasted no time in reactivating Japeth Aguilar for the Monday night game against Qatar.

[Related Story: Wright, Aguilar quickly reinserted to Gilas after ban as Almazan, Maliksi give way for lineup vs Qatar]

However, one of the other clauses of the sanction handed by FIBA to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas due to the brawl between Gilas and Australia on July 2 will take place also on Monday night as Gilas and Qatar will lock horns behind closed doors at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

[Related Story: Gilas-Qatar game to be played behind closed doors]

With the raucous Gilas fans relegated to being TV, live stream, or viewing party spectators for the mean time, the Ginebra big man thinks Gilas should pin its hopes in one major aspect of basketball for the team to win.

"It's all about the team. Teamwork lang lalo na ngayon, kami-kami lang. We're gonna win on teamwork. Tulungan talaga," Aguilar said on Sunday night right after practice.

But right now, he is already happy to see his fellow Nationals jelling on and off the court.

"Proud na proud ako sa team na ito. Actually para kaming mga brothers dito. Alam namin na we only have each other para bukas," he continued.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno