Edu solid in Gilas debut

For a first timer with Gilas Pilipinas, it’s surprising to see AJ Edu play consistent basketball in the FIBA World Cup.

Hounded by injuries since he sustained a right knee injury in 2019, Edu played consistently for Gilas as he finished with averages of 8.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 shot blocks in all five games of the national team.

AJ Edu PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO 

The 6-foot-10 Cypriot-born Filipino-Nigerian said he is just grateful for the opportunity to play for the flag and country.

“It’s such a blessing to be able to represent the country at the highest level at home. It’s just surreal, a dream come true for sure,” said the 23-year-old Edu, who finished with five points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a shot block in 30 minutes of action as a starter for Gilas in its 96-75 win over China in the classification stage Thursday, Sept. 2 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“This victory I hope is one of many,” added Edu, who is expected to play for the national team – and form a ‘Twin Tower” with 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto – in the years to come.

It was during the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup when Edu suffered the injury – tearing both his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and meniscal in the first game of Batang Gilas against host Greece.

He missed his second year with the Toledo Rockets recovering from the injury, and when he returned as a junior, he tore his meniscus in December 2020, which forced him to miss the entire season.

In July 2021, he suffered a left ACL injury.

To finally play and contribute, Edu said he feels blessed.

“It’s pretty crazy how things come full circle. I was injured at the last World Cup I played at the under-19 level. I have had a series of injuries since then,” said Edu, who will play for Toyama Grouses in the Japan B-League.

“So the way things come full circle, the way the Lord is so faithful, and all things worked together, to have this opportunity and to be able to compete, and to finally get the win as well is just a blessing.”

“I’m just thankful to everyone and most especially I’m thankful to the Lord,” added Edu.