China mini tourney ‘final test’ for AJ Edu – Chot

Like every other member of the Gilas Pilipinas pool, young Filipino-Nigerian big man AJ Edu is fighting for a spot in the final 12 as the national team is down to its final month of preparation for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

The 23-year-old former University of Toledo is still dealing with a nagging ankle injury that prevented him really from seeing action during Gilas' six tuneup matches in its recent 16-day Europe training camp.

AJ Edu FIBA PHOTO

Gilas coach Chot Reyes admitted that the national team's upcoming mini-pocket tournament in China will be the 6-foot-10 Edu's potential final test if he can be seriously considered for the final roster.

“He (Edu) has to be able to get in shape quickly. Hopefully. These past few days, he's been practicing in Manila and he has to be able to play in China (because) that's gonna be the final test for AJ,” Reyes said in his recent interview with veteran sports analyst Quinito Henson in his Youtube Sports Channel PlayitRight TV.

Though Edu has spent a big chunk of his collegiate career dealing with various injuries as well, Reyes is not giving up on Edu.

“We're looking forward to him being part of the team. He's fighting for a slot just like everybody else,” he stressed.

Edu's size will be critical for the FIBA World Cup as Gilas faces a tough bracket in the opening round, featuring the Dominican Republic on opening night, followed by Angola and then Italy.

The Filipinos clash with the Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, while their remaining two matches will be played at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

As of posting time, 7-foot-3 slotman Kai Sotto's status at Gilas remains uncertain, owing to a back injury he sustained over the weekend in the Orlando Magic's final game against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Summer League.

Sotto is expected to arrive early this week in Manila, but whether he'll be able to show up in Gilas' evening practice as earlier, announced by Reyes, remains to be seen.

Other bigs within the Gilas pool include six-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar and Poy Erram. Ange Kouame, a 6-11 big man serves as one of the three naturalized players.