AJ Edu is ready to step up and take on a bigger role in the frontcourt as Gilas Pilipinas continues to deal with injuries to two of its key big men in the lead-up to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
With Kai Sotto still sidelined by an ACL injury in his left knee and June Mar Fajardo expected to be banged up from a calf issue when he returns after the PBA Finals, AJ Edu said he’s prepared to step in and anchor the frontcourt to help cover for the injured big men.
“Yeah, you know. Understandably, yeah,” said the 6-foot-10 Edu when asked if he’s ready to carry more responsibility in the FIBA Asia Cup.
“With Kai [Sotto] out, that’s a tough, tough loss for us. We’re hoping that he could come back soon, constantly in communication with him about his recovery,” added Edu, who himself was coming off an ACL tear prior to rejoining Gilas earlier this year.
But Edu knows it won’t just be on his shoulders. With key players dealing with injuries and fatigue, and others still catching up to game shape, he said it’s going to take a collective effort for Gilas to stay competitive and be fully prepared for the challenges in Jeddah.
Players such as Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, Japeth Aguilar, and newcomer RJ Abarrientos are all dealing with injury concerns. Meanwhile, Justin Brownlee — along with Edu’s fellow Japan B.League standouts Dwight Ramos and Carl Tamayo — are still catching up after months of inactivity during the offseason.
“Yeah, definitely. Not just me, but all of us as a team have to step up when our star players are out. But yeah, for sure. On my end, I have to step up as well,” said Edu, who made his Gilas return after his ACL injury last February during the qualifiers.
Edu, who just arrived earlier this week, said he will begin practicing with the squad right away. He aims to get back into game shape before the team flies to Saudi Arabia on July 31.
“Yeah, I just came back. So actually, I haven’t been able to practice yet. But tomorrow I’ll start training and start preparing,” said the Nagasaki Velca slotman.
“Honestly, for us playing in the B.League, we’ve been out… It’s been offseason for a couple of months now so me, I’m just trying to get back to 100-percent game shape and yeah, get ready for this upcoming tournament.”
#WATCH: With Kai Sotto sidelined, AJ Edu says he’s ready to step up and take on more responsibility for Gilas Pilipinas 🇵🇭
🎥 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times#LabanPilipinas pic.twitter.com/d9pqyGjeCJ
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) July 10, 2025
