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BANKING on its solid veteran crew, Purefoods spoiled the much-talked-about debut of US-trained rookie Japeth Aguilar after the Giants routed the Burger King Whoppers, 93-80, at the start of the 35th PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Araneta Coliseum.
Tabbed as the number one overall pick in the Rookie Draft, the former West Kentucky University center Aguilar debuted with 10 points, nine rebounds and a blocked shot in 24 minutes of play.
The 6-foot-9 Aguilar only had the benefit of a one-day practice with the Whoppers as he agreed to suit up with the team just two days before the start of the tournament.
Aguilar hardly made an impact as the Whoppers trailed by as many as 26 points in their first game without their former star forward Arwind Santos, who is now with San Miguel.
Aguilar's counterpart, Rico Maeirhofer, who is the number two overall pick, debuted with nine points, eight rebounds and a block.
Stealing the thunder from those two rookies was Purefoods' new recruit Rafi Reavis, who tallied 14 points and grabbed a game-high 20 rebounds. /EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA
