The FIBA Asia Cup 2025 became the stage for a joyful moment for AJ Edu, as it marked the first time his parents saw him don the Gilas Pilipinas uniform as a professional — live and in living color.
The FIBA Asia Cup 2025 is a special competition in more ways than one for AJ Edu.
But most of all, the 2025 edition of the Asian Championships is special for the young Gilas standout as this is the first time that his parents actually get to see him play wearing the Philippines jersey.
Edu’s father Ayotunde and mother Josie flew from the United Kingdom to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support their son fight alongside the rest of the national team.
“It was great. I mean, it was something so surreal after so many years,” said AJ’s father.
“I’ve not actually watched him play any games since he turned professional. So, this is the first time that I'm actually seeing him play a game.”
[Related: AJ Edu motivated as parents witness Gilas-Iraq game: 'Proud to represent my mom's country’]
In three games here in Jeddah, AJ has been the top rebounder (8.3) and blocker (2.0) for Gilas, averaging about 24 minutes a game.
“There’s added joy because we are here to see him play and we saw them win,” the elder Edu said.
AJ was the second leading scorer in the Philippines 66-57 win against Iraq with nine points, alongside seven boards, two steals, and two blocks. The victory saved the Philippines’ stint in the FIBA Asia Cup after a challenging start in Group B.
In their previous game against the New Zealand Tall Blacks, there was frustration coming from Edu as he was not able to score a single point.
There were also multiple times when he got switched over to Taylor Britt off top ball screens, and the veteran point guard beat him to score crucial baskets in the end game, which the Tall Blacks won after a spirited Gilas rally.
However, even if Edu allowed himself to feel bad for a short moment, he always bounces back. He has a tenacity about him that makes him get up and show up on the next play, immaterial of how difficult the last was.
[Related: Gilas Pilipinas-Saudi Arabia showdown set in FIBA Asia Cup final phase]
For his parents, this is Edu not just on the court but in life. Bouncing back from three major knee injuries, he has not allowed the challenges he faced keep him down.
“We try, as parents, to just bring him the way that he should go. And, you know, try to implement, I think, discipline. And, you know, I mean, just to mold him to be a person he is now,” said Edu’s mom Josie.
"And most importantly, probably our Christian faith played a big part. Because we have a strong Christian belief. And he has adopted that and made it a major part of his life,” added his father.
“Through the injuries, I would say that's what kept him through. Without his faith, he would probably have been very devastated. But that encouraged him and gave him faith and hope.”
[Related: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | Gilas Pilipinas compete at 2025 FIBA Asia Cup]
The Edu couple will be flying back to the United Kingdom soon and will not be here to watch Gilas in the qualification to the quarterfinals game against Saudi Arabia.
But for the Edu, finally seeing them in the stands was a huge blessing already.
“It was nice to have my parents in the crowd,” he said.
“It really motivated me. They’re the reason I’ve made it this far after the Lord and I’m proud to represent my mom’s country.”