Two minutes and two seconds.
That’s how long AJ Edu lasted on the court during his stint with Batang Gilas in the FIBA Basketball Under-19 World Cup back in 2019.
Back then, Edu was touted as the future of the Gilas program alongside Kai Sotto after they had partnered up and ended the youth team’s 40-year absence in the FIBA World Cup four years ago.
It was also on the world stage where the 6-foot-10 Filipino-Cypriot slotman’s string of injuries began, tearing both the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee during their opening game against the home team Greece.
From there, it was a downward spiral for Edu, who tore his meniscus again after more than a year before suffering another ACL injury seven months later.
Four years and three major knee injuries later, the 23-year-old Edu was finally back with Gilas Pilipinas, this time on the senior’s team, helping the team secure its breakthrough victory in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 at the expense of China.
“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, and now I’m at a World Cup, and I’m out here able to compete at a World Cup at the highest level,” said Edu following Gilas Pilipinas’ 96-75 win over the Dragons.
The win over China proved to be a breath of fresh air for Edu, Gilas Pilipinas, and the rest of the country after going through a disappointing campaign that saw them bow out of contention after losing all their games in the group phase before suffering a crucial loss against South Sudan to start the classification round.
Edu, who has been nothing but consistent for Gilas throughout their journey in the world tilt, contributed five points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and a block in more than 30 minutes of action for the Philippines.
“Oh man, 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,” said Edu.
“Unfortunately, you know, it didn’t come to that, but we got the win in the end. I’m very grateful. Hopefully, the first of many for me,” he continued.
Edu has been one of the few bright spots for Gilas in the FIBA World Cup, averaging 8.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 blocks in five games.
With the Philippines’ campaign officially over, the Mid-American Conference All-Freshman Team member said that he will now focus on his professional club, the Toyama Grouses, in the Japan B.League.
“Heading to Japan to start my professional career in the B. League with Toyama, really looking forward to that. But yeah, also looking forward to many more stints with Gilas now that I’m in Asia.”
