MANILA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - It was not long ago when Japeth Aguilar was among the Philippines' young stars, but now he's among the team's seasoned veterans.

And his advice to the next generation of Gilas Pilipinas stars is straightforward and simple.

"If there's one advice I could give the young guys, it's this -- savor the moment, make the most of this opportunity, and don't have any regrets," he said. "How time flies. Looking back at my career in the national team, I feel like I could have done some things better, so I want them to give their all. When you play for the national team, you have to give 100% focus."

The 6ft 9in (2.06m) Aguilar is one of the Philippines' regulars at the international level, having debuted in the FIBA Asia Cup 2009 in Tianjin, China and then playing in three of the four succeeding Asia Cups, including the 2017 edition in Beirut, Lebanon, where Gilas Pilipinas placed 7th overall. In his nine-year stretch with the national team, Aguilar has made a name for himself as among the continent's most explosive high-flying big men. He is known for his thunderous dunks and emphatic shot-blocking, and that will be crucial for the Filipinos heading into the second window of the Asian Qualifiers, where they are set to face powerhouse Australia on the road.

"We know what's in front of us," Aguilar said after one practice session at the Meralco Gym in Manila. "We are trying to prepare as well as we can, and we will try to put up a good fight against Australia."

Aguilar is aware that a lot of pressure will be on him and fellow frontliner June Mar Fajardo, especially with the prospect of having neither Andray Blatche nor Christian Standhardinger available in the second window. Despite the uncertainty, Aguilar remains focused on his role and the coaches' expectations of how he can make an impact for the team.

"Obviously, some lineup changes may happen, especially since we're still unsure about having a naturalized player," he explained. "But I'm just ready to play my role. Whatever happens, my play will remain consistent."

The Philippines fly to Melbourne to face Australia on 22 February before returning home to host Japan on 25 February at the Mall of Asia Arena.

FIBA