Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone, left, June Mar Fajardo, middle, and AJ Edu during practice.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—After Gilas Pilipinas’ run in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament, coach Tim Cone pondered a scenario where the Nationals had AJ Edu along for the ride in Latvia.
During a press conference in Mandaluyong on Monday, Cone said that he couldn’t stop thinking about how different Gilas would’ve performed had Edu been healthy.
“I can’t help but think, imagine if AJ Edu had been there,” said Cone.
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“What a difference he would’ve made in terms of keeping our big men fresh and giving them different looks because he’s a different type of big man.”
The agile 6-foot-10 Edu was unable to suit up for Gilas in their OQT run due to a knee injury.
Taking Edu’s place was the veteran Japeth Aguilar, who was called up for another tour of duty to help plug the holes in Gilas’ frontcourt.
Without Edu, June Mar Fajardo and Kai Sotto were to do most of the heavy lifting protecting Gilas’ paint on both ends of the floor. Fortunately for Cone and Gilas, Fajardo and Sotto were able to hold the fort.
“That’s what’s nice about Kai and June Mar. They’re very different.”
READ: Fiba OQT: Tim Cone rues Kai Sotto absence in Gilas loss to Brazil
“They’re not made in the same mold. June Mar’s a terrific inside presence, can get his position and a tremendous rebounder. Kai can switch to different positions.”
Fajardo and Sotto’s contrasting talents gave Gilas a formidable force in the paint.
Fajardo averaged 9.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game on an efficient 57.9 percent field goal shooting clip.
Gilas, however, took a big hit when Sotto got hurt and missed the Philippines’ all-important semifinal clash against Brazil.
Cone also had all praise for Sotto, who had to adjust with Fajardo on the floor as Gilas’ primary center.
“You have to give Kai a lot of credit. For Kai to play with June Mar, he had to stay out in the perimeter and play almost like a wing. He was a 7-foot-3 wing while he was playing with June Mar. That’s a big adjustment for him and he did it flawlessly.”