Alongside June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar, AJ Edu is expected to man Gilas Pilipinas’ frontline in their final two games at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
With Kai Sotto sidelined due to an ACL injury, Tim Cone turned to one of Kaiju’s close friends in hopes of filling the void left by the towering big man.
[ALSO READ: With Kai Sotto ruled out for Gilas, Tim Cone looks to find solutions in Doha tournament]
AJ Edu, Sotto’s Gilas Youth teammate, was named by FIBA as one of the players in the third and final window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
For the first time since playing the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023, the former University of Toledo product suited up for the country in the four-nation Doha International Cup.
The 25-year-old played all three Gilas’ games in that tournament, averaging six points and 6.3 rebounds as the Philippines finished 1-2.
It also marked the first time Edu played under current national team head coach Tim Cone, sparking more excitement on how the former Ateneo Blue Eagle will fit in Cone’s system moving forward.
[ALSO READ: Doha games a chance to integrate Jamie Malonzo, AJ Edu with Gilas, says Tim Cone]
A knee injury late in 2023 forced the Nagasaki Velca big man to miss the first and second windows of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers 2025, as well as the Olympic Qualifying Tournament back in July 2024.
In the current Japan B.League season, the Fil-Cypriot big man is submitting 5.5 points and 5.4 rebounds in 22 games.
Healthy anew, he will join June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar as Gilas’ main frontline weapons in two away games against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand.
[ALSO READ: Tim Cone, Gilas Pilipinas hope to use Doha lessons in ‘tougher battle’ vs Chinese Taipei]
Chinese Taipei vs Philippines will air this Thursday, February 20, at 7 p.m. LIVE on RPTV, PBA Rush, and Pilipinas Live.
[ALSO READ: Gilas Pilipinas: FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers February window schedule, where to watch]