AJ Edu is grateful that his long-standing chemistry with Kai Sotto has finally translated to the biggest stage.
The former national youth teammates helped Gilas Pilipinas complete a perfect fourth window in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, beating Jordan, 82-81, in overtime before following it up with a 68-56 victory over Iran.
With Justin Brownlee unavailable, Edu and Sotto became a vital combination in the Philippine frontcourt, with both players delivering across the two games.
For Edu, however, their connection goes back much further than Gilas.
“Thankful also to have Kai back,” Edu said. “We’ve always had good chemistry since we were in Batang Gilas.”
That familiarity has now carried over to the national senior team, where the two reunited on the international stage.
“To be able to do that on the world stage, it’s a blessing, a privilege to play with my brother,” Edu added.
Edu contributed eight points against Iran and played nearly 37 minutes, doing much of the defensive and physical work alongside Sotto.
Meanwhile, Sotto produced a double-double of 13 points and 16 rebounds as Gilas completed the sweep and improved to 4-4 in Pool E.
For Edu, the two victories were made even more meaningful by the trust built over the years and the opportunity to finally share that chemistry with his childhood teammate while representing the Philippines. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
