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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider AJ Edu determined to crack Gilas final 12 for World Cup

AJ Edu determined to crack Gilas final 12 for World Cup

Published Jun 3, 2023 07:58 am
One of the most promising players from the juniors team is finally making the leap.

*AJ Edu during his last stint with Gilas Pilipinas u19 team (FIBA Photo)

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The 6-foot-10 AJ Edu bared that he’s now part of the Gilas Pilipinas pool for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, making a reunion with former Batang Gilas frontcourt partner Kai Sotto possible in the seniors level. The 23-year-old Toledo Rockets-standout has been in the country for the expected start of Gilas training camp on Wednesday, June 7. “I'm here to be part of the pool and try and earn my way into that team on that final 12. So yeah that's the biggest reason I'm here you know, to achieve that goal,” Edu said in an interview with Power and Play with Kom Noli Eala on Saturday, June 3. The return to the pool is a homecoming of sorts for Edu whose career with the national team was derailed by anterior cruciate ligament injury twice – the first on the right which he sustained during Batang Gilas games in the 2010 FIBA U-19 World Cup and second his left knee during one of his practices with Toledo. “It feels good. It's nice to know that there's a belief of what I'm capable of, especially when I get back to playing just how I used to play. So I’m just like, despite all these injuries the same way I didn't lose belief in myself. The people, the supporters haven't lost belief either,” he added. Now back in top shape, Edu is just looking forward to showcase what he can bring to the table with Gilas and learn as much as he can with the rest of the national team pool members. “I'm just looking forward to learning as much as I can. Again, you know these are players that have a great amount of experience. NBA experience as you mentioned. It's just an opportunity to see how they  prepare for practice, how they carry themselves, the stuff they do on and off the court,” said Edu. “I'm confident with my ability, I'm confident in how good I am. I haven't been able to showcase that completely yet but I think  if I go into the training camp with the mentality of really showing what I'm capable of, I believe I can make the final cut,” he added.
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