MANILA, Philippines — Fil-Nigerian AJ Edu said yesterday he’s 100 percent healthy, fully recovered from ACL surgeries on both knees and ready to battle for a spot on the 12-man Gilas squad playing in the FIBA World Cup on Aug. 25-Sept. 10. It’s been a long journey since Edu was sidelined in the first game of the FIBA World Cup U19 Championships in Greece four years ago but after seeing action for 35 games as a University of Toledo senior in the US NCAA D-1 this past season, he can’t wait to wear the Philippine colors again.
Edu, 23, is eligible to play as a local for Gilas because the only passport he’s owned as a boy was Filipino. His first visit to the Philippines was when he was 1 1/2 years old. Edu, the oldest of five, was born in Cyprus to a Nigerian father Ayotunde and Filipina mother Josie Litang of Surigao. The 6-10 center struggled with injuries throughout his Toledo career, sitting out the 2019-20 season and playing sparingly in 2020-21 and 2021-22. But Edu is back in form and recently spent a week training in Brisbane with agent Cam Bairstow, a former Australian national player who played two seasons with the Chicago Bulls. Edu arrived here late last week and has been named to the Gilas 21-man pool.
“It wasn’t easy coming back as I basically missed three seasons in a row at Toledo,” said Edu. “Now, I’m good to go. Playing a full season as a senior was huge to get my timing, flow and routine back. I’m grateful to my support group – my family, coaches and teammates. I kept my faith and belief in Jesus. My speed and athleticism are still there but I’m a bit more controlled. At the junior level, I looked up to Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo and I still do. But I’m a big Lakers fan and I love how Anthony Davis plays, he’s one of the best NBA players and parts of his game, I think I can emulate.”
Playing for the Philippines is something Edu said he will always hold in high priority. He averaged 14.2 points and 11.5 rebounds for the Philippines at the FIBA Asia U18 Championships in Thailand in 2018, teaming with Kai Sotto, Dave Ildefonso, Gerry Abadiano and Raven Cortez. “It was an easy decision to make when I was invited to join the pool, no hesitation,” he said. “I’m proud to wear the national jersey and represent my family. The love and passion of the Filipino fans for basketball stand out. It’ll be an unbelievable experience to play in the World Cup that we’re hosting. I’ve only played for the Philippines at the junior level so I’m excited to learn from guys like Jordan Clarkson, June Mar Fajardo and Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena. I’ll soak in everything like a sponge. Now that I’ve graduated from school, my focus is to play professionally.”