FIBA World Cup: Edu admits he has big shoes to fill

Retired PBA stars Ranidel de Ocampo and Marc Pingris were legendary players in their own rights after stamping their marks during their long and decorated stints in the Philippine men’s basketball team.

The massive achievement marked the first time the Philippines made it back to the World Cup since the country last hosted the tournament, then known as World Basketball Championships for men in 1978.

Not only that, both big men returned to Gilas the following year and played major roles in registering the Philippines’ first-ever win in the world stage since the national squad’s two-win total in the 1974 edition in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Gilas young slotman AJ Edu knows he’s filling in big shoes for the national team, and he’s well aware of De Ocampo and Pingris’ exploits as well.

“I mean, very big shoes to fill, those guys. Those are legends not just in the PBA but on the international stage so you know, I try not to think about that way, and I just I try to give my personal best and see where it goes,” the 6-foor-10 Edu said, moments after Gilas dropped a narrow 87-81 decision to Dominican Republic on opening night, Friday, August 25 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

The 23-year-old former University of Toledo big man managed to hold his own despite drawing the unenviable task of defending NBA star and Minnesota Timberwolves slotman Karl-Anthony Towns in the FIBA World Cup match.

The three-time NBA All-Star churned out a double-double output of 26 points and 10 rebounds, while repeatedly attacking Gilas’ interior defense. Towns’ aggressiveness rewarded him with numerous trips to the foul line, where he made 15-of-16 free throws.

For his part, Edu finished with seven points and five rebounds, while drawing glowing words from Towns himself, who got his attempt inside foiled by the young Gilas big man in the first half.

“He’s (Edu) a fantastic player, he’s an ultra competitor. I love the competition he brought tonight, it makes me better,” Towns said in describing Edu. “You know, Filipinos are a culture that don’t give up and they played hard, as I expect. The culture is nothing but hard working people.”

Edu knows he’s got just one game in his World Cup experience, but he vows to keep improving as he goes along.

“(I’ll) just continue to elevate my gain and to continue to build on that trust (by Gilas coach Chot Reyes),” said Edu, whose team next faces the physical Angola five on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.