AJ Edu is doubtful to see action for Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers’ second window no thanks to another knee injury.
Team manager Richard del Rosario bared the news Wednesday, adding that they have been in contact with his B.League club regarding the matter.
“AJ suffered an injury in his last game in Japan,” he said during the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ press conference at the TV5 Media Center in Pasig.
“Right now, we are in communication with the medical team of AJ in the B. League, and he needs to undergo strengthening with his knee,” he added.
Edu last played on November 9 when his Nagasaki Velca faced the Akita Northern Happinets in an eventual 71-68 defeat. There, he saw action for 19 minutes and tallied two points, three rebounds, an assist, and a block.
The 24-year-old big man did not play in their rematch the following day, which ended up in another loss for the skidding squad, 55-54.
Edu is set to arrive in Manila later today and will be checked by the Gilas medical staff to further assess his injured knee, del Rosario said.
“As you all know, AJ has a long history of injuries,” said the Ginebra assistant coach.
The University of Toledo product has suffered numerous knee injuries in the past, particularly two anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus tears.
“He’s arriving today and then we will make our assessment with our own trainers and medical staff, and see from there. It depends on his recovery if he will be available for the window,” continued del Rosario.
Edu is one of two bigs that Gilas has been monitoring, the other being Kai Sotto, who had been placed under the B.League’s concussion protocol.
“We have been in touch with the medical team of Kai’s team in Japan. He has been put under the concussion protocol of the B.League and we are following that,” said del Rosario.
The 7-foot-3 center got hurt during the Koshigaya Alphas’ meeting against his former team in the Yokohama B-Corsairs last November 9.
He played for only 12 minutes and 58 seconds in their eventual 80-72 loss, registering seven points, four rebounds, an assist, and a steal.
But unlike Edu, Sotto may be cleared ahead of Window 2, where Gilas will host New Zealand and Hong Kong at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
“He’s in the process of completing the concussion protocol but from all indications, he will be available come game time, upon completion of those protocols,” said del Rosario.
