After being ruled out of the opening window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, AJ Edu announced that he is set to make his return to Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming FIBA Men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Edu suffered a torn meniscus while playing for the Toyama Grouses in the Japan B. League last December and is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the Philippines’ campaign in the OQT in July where they will face home team Latvia and Georgia.
“For me, I’m gonna be out this window because of my meniscus injury. Hopefully, I’ll recover in a month or two and finish out my season in the B. League and then I’ll be good to go for the OQTs,” said the 24-year-old Fil-Nigerian big man.
The 23-year-old product of the University of Toledo will miss Gilas Pilipinas’ games against Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei but has been present in the national team’s buildup for the first window.
Edu said that he feels really blessed to have this opportunity and be with the team as they kick-start Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone’s four-year plan.
“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.
With Edu and Junemar Fajardo sidelined, Cone has tapped the services of Gilas veteran Japeth Aguilar to bolster the national team in the first window. GIlas Pilipinas is set to play with just 11 players this window.
