A healthy AJ Edu is an asset for the Philippine team.
AJ Edu confirmed that he will be part of the Gilas Pilipinas pool in the buildup for the FIBA World Cup, and fans will love how the 6-foot-10 big man is committed to the cause.
Speaking to former PBA commissioner Noli Eala, the Cypriot-born Filipino revealed that he's been talking to coach Chot Reyes.
"Yes, they have been in contact with me. I’ll be part of the pool, ty to earn my way into that team, the Final 12. That’s the biggest reason why I’m here, to achieve that goal," Edu said on Power and Play.
"I’m ready and excited. Before I came to the Philippines, I was in Australia, I was in Brisbon, just training as well. Just really excited to showcase and just go out there and show the ability that I’m capable of."
The 23-year-old big man has been riddled by injuries his entire collegiate career.
But Edu assured that he's healthy heading into the pool training.
"I don’t really see any reason to be worried. It’s my first time being a part of the Gilas pool so I’m just gonna go and enjoy the experience and try to learn as much as I can. I’m still relatively young, so I have a lot of time to learn and grow," he said.
The soft-spoken athlete's height and versatility will add another dimension to Gilas Pilipinas.
"I like to say, I bring versatility in terms of athleticism. Being able to move pretty well for my height. The defensive, blocking shots, rebound. I’m also versatile offensively, I’m trying to showcase that more. And also, competitiveness, giving my all in the court."
Edu is confident that he will make the final lineup, and maybe the long-awaited pairing with Kai Sotto will finally happen.
The young big men will have to work their way into the FIBA World Cup team because coach Chot Reyes has repeatedly said that there are no shoo-ins, even Jordan Clarkson.
"I’m confident in my ability. I haven’t been able to showcase that completely well. If I go into the training camp with the mentality of really showing cup, I think I’ll make the final cut."
But even if there's a chance that he won't make it, Edu assured said he's fully committed to the cause, and that's what Coach Chot is hoping for with the pool members.
"It won’t sit in a negative way at all. For me as long as I’ve given my best, and shown what I’m capable of and be part of the process, I won’t have negative feeling towards it. I’m gonna give my best, if that’s enough to make the final 12, then so be it, if not then so be it as well."
Training camp will start on June 7, and the national team is expected to tour Europe in their initial buildup for the FIBA World Cup in August.