Gilas Pilipinas’ AJ Edu. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Fit-again AJ Edu found fulfillment in completing his first Fiba World Cup as a senior national team member after going through several knee injuries.
The 6-foot-10 Gilas big man shone in his first World Cup stint, posting 8.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 blocks in five games, which the national squad capped with a morale-boosting 96-75 win over China on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Despite only winning one out of their five games, it was a full-circle moment for Edu to complete his national team stint, five years after suffering an ACL injury in the Fiba Under-19 World Cup.
“Man, it’s been a long journey for sure, with the injuries. But you know, it’s cool how things kind of come full circle — I got injured at a World Cup, and you know, I’m out here able to compete at a World Cup at the highest level,” Edu told reporters after dropping five points and plucking 10 rebounds against the Chinese.
“I’m very grateful for you know everything, grateful to the Lord, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for his faithfulness,” he added.
The Filipino-Cypriot made quite an impression with his defensive prowess against Karl-Anthony Towns, who praised him despite their opening loss.
Edu also unleashed his best showing against South Sudan with 12 points and 14 rebounds.
The 23-year-old Gilas young gun will be oozing with confidence heading to his first Japan B.League stint with the Toyama Grouses. But he vowed to continue representing the country in the future.
“Heading to Japan to start my professional career in the B. League with Toyama, really looking forward to that,” he said. “I’m also looking forward to many more stints with Gilas now that I’m in Asia.”
Edu was just thrilled to end the World Cup with a win, crediting Jordan Clarkson’s 34-point explosion and relishing the experience of sharing the court with the NBA star.
“It feels great. This is my first win for Gilas and yeah, doing it at home, in front of that crowd, this is what we wanted to give them this whole tournament. Unfortunately, you know, it didn’t come to that but we got the win in the end. I’m very very grateful. Hopefully, the first of many for me,” Edu said.
“That’s why he’s an NBA Sixth Man, that’s who he is. You know, I got front row seats — best seats in the house to witness the show to that amazing feat, he’s an amazing player and I’ll always remember the fact that I shared the court with him,” he added.