AJ Edu is out of Gilas Pilipinas for the opening window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, but is certain of his availability by the time the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia rolls along in June.
Recovering from a meniscus injury, the 6-foot-10 center considers it a blessing to still be included by Tim Cone in an elite 12-man roster that is envisioned to be the foundation of the four-year program of the multi-titled mentor.
READ Scottie says 'high IQ' Gilas youngsters quick to grasp Cone system
“Really blessed to have the opportunity to still be out here and support the team, just learn the system and what coach Tim has envisioned for this squad,” said Edu during the mini-presser held by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) for the national team on the eve of its departure for Hong Kong for the Asia Cup qualifiers.
Edu hopes to be healthy by next month and be ready when Gilas plays Latvia and Georgia in the Paris Olympic qualifiers set July 2-7.
“Recover for a month or two, finish out my season in the B.League, and I’ll be good to go for the OQT,” he said.
Edu currently plays for the Toyoma Grouses in the Japan B. League.
While he did join Gilas in its shooting practices, Edu just watched from the sideline along with fellow big man June Mar Fajardo when the team held a two-hour, public scrimmage at the Philsports Arena.
Cone didn’t tap a replacement for Edu, giving him just an 11-man roster against Hong Kong as veteran Japeth Aguilar takes the place of Fajardo.
Edu last suited up for the national team in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, but didn’t play in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China as he had to join his B.League team.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
