AJ Edu’s impressive performance in the 2023 Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament in China restored his confidence after injuries derailed his career over the past few years.
Edu suffered a torn ACL and a torn meniscus during the 2019 FIBA U19 World Championships. In the following year, he sustained another knee injury while playing for the University of Toledo Rockets in the US NCAA.
Fortunately for Gilas, Edu had recovered from those past injuries and committed to the national team’s build-up for the World Cup. In the pocket tournament, Edu showed Filipino fans what he could contribute as he averaged 8.5 points, 8.75 rebounds, and 1.25 blocks per game.
Edu is grateful for his stint in the pocket tournament, as it brought back his confidence.
“I’m really thankful for this tournament because it brought a lot of confidence for me and my game,” the 6’10 big man said in an interview with CNN Sportsdesk. “Just being able to compete and make an impact is a huge boost for me.”
“Definitely very confident to finally hit that stride. That tournament is a good foundation that I want to continue to build on. I want to increase my impact,” he added. (MJD)
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AJ Edu: A revelation for Gilas Pilipinas
Gilas fans: Rhenz Abando, AJ Edu shoo-ins dapat sa FIBA World Cup roster
