In preparation for the upcoming FIBA Under-19 World Cup tournament in Heraklion, Greece, Gilas Pilipinas welcomed United Kingdom-based 6-foot-10 AJ Edu to the Philippines last Tuesday, June 4.
Although he was born and raised in United Kingdom, Edu flew to the country from the University of Toledo where he studies and participates in the National Collegiate Athletics Association Division 1. Previously playing with the national team in the same tournament held in Bangkok last year, Edu averaged 14.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game, where he totalled 29.1 minutes in the six games as his team landed fourth.
As a response to their finish in 2018, Edu shared, “Disappointed in the way the tournament ended, but it was truly a blessing to represent my country. Thanks for all the amazing support. Best believe I’m gonna be back stronger.”
The Philippine representative was welcomed by Head Coach Sandy Arespacochaga, Team Manager Andrew Teh, and Special Assistant to the President Ryan Gregorio.
Expected to join Edu, according to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), is former Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eaglet Kai Sotto, who is set to return to his home country this Saturday, June 8. Yet, as they wait for Sotto’s arrival, the team will already start preparing to face Argentina, Russia, and host Greece under the leadership of Coach Sandy.
The young Filipino team will be leaving to Doha, Qatar on June 21 to practice with tune-up games. A week later, they will travel from Qatar to Greece and stay there from June 29 to July 7 for the competition. Their very first opponents are the hosts themselves. Following that game, June 30 is a match against Argentina, followed by the final preliminary game on July 2 against Russia.