AJ Edu is well on his way to returning to Toledo after battling numerous injuries over the last three years.
During the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, the 6-foot-11 Filipino big man tore his anterior cruciate ligament in Gilas Youth’s very first game.
A year later, he tore his meniscus.
For the 2020-21 Mid-American Conference, the then-22-year-old was on a verge of a comeback. Disaster struck during the buildup to the season, though, as he tore his ACL once more.
“It definitely doesn’t get any easier every time it happens. It was pretty tough initially,” Edu recalled to WTOL 11.
“I have a good support system around me, good coaching staff, good family back home.”
On Wednesday morning (Manila time), Edu was back at Savage Arena.
During the warmup prior to Toledo’s game against Ohio, Edu was taking part in it, even throwing a dunk or two.
And for him, it just feels good to be back.
“It’s been great to watch this team play,” he said. “It’s almost like I’m a fan watching them and enjoying the great basketball that’s played. If I can add to that, it would be amazing.
“This is already a championship team, to add to that would just be unbelievable.”
The Rockets went on to defeat their opponents, 77-62, to go up to 19-5 in the standings.
And with the way things are going, Edu might actually suit up by next week.
Despite all the setbacks he has experienced, Edu continues to look at the silver linings. After all, it might just be part of the plan for him.
“I trust in God’s plan for me. I believe that everything happens for a reason and I believe that these injuries have made me grow as a person. It’s made me not take anything for granted.”
