GILAS pool member AJ (Ariel John) Edu is finally back and playing again.
Fourteen months after going down with a torn ACL and meniscus, the Fil-Nigerian big man is now up and about and has joined the University of Toledo team in practice.
Edu posted photos of him training with the NCAA Division 1 school, proof of his complete recovery from the heartbreaking injury which he suffered while playing for Gilas Pilipinas Youth in the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup in Greece.
The 6-foot-10 Edu said he’s been back with the team for almost a month now.
“Recovery has been really good and I’m blessed to say I’m fully and officially cleared to play again,” said Edu in a short chat with SPIN.ph from Toledo, Ohio.
“I’ve been back to practicing now with full contact as of three weeks ago.”

Being out of action for more than a year had significant bearing for the 20-year-old power forward, named to the Mid-American Conference All-Freshman Team in 2018.
It was a bit unusual for him being on the court again and playing full games following his recovery from the injury.
“It felt a bit strange at first to be back on the court having been out for so long,” Edu admitted. “But it was a great feeling. I love this game, so to be back doing what I love feels amazing and a blessing.”

The NCAA Division I Council recently recommended extending the eligibility of players following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a development that augurs well for Edu, who sat out this year’s college season as he rehabilitates from his injury.
He said getting back in his playing career is the top priority at the moment aside from his education moving forward.
Another stint with Gilas Pilipinas of course, is also in the horizon.
“It’s hard to say cause of the current situation we all face with the pandemic. But the short-term plan is to get my college career back on track and hopefully, make March Madness (next year),” he said.
“Always a blessing to represent my country, something I never take for granted,” Edu stressed. “I look forward to the time I can do so again in the future.”
The pandemic has also prevented AJ from visiting his family based in England. Good thing, everything is well with the Edu family back home.
“My family is doing good. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to see them in a while due to the pandemic, but I keep in contact with them regularly and hope to see them soon,” he said.
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