The hardnosed Filipino is killing it.
AJ Edu has been showing out for the Toyama Grouses in the Japan B.League.
In the first four games of his professional career, the 6-foot-10 big man averaged 13.3 points, nine rebounds, and one block. While Toyama has yet to secure a victory in the young season, Edu’s rise as one of the league’s brightest new talents is undeniable.
He earned a lot of praise from PBA stars and former Gilas Pilipinas players for his stellar showing in the FIBA World Cup. Now, he's translating that in his maiden season in the Japan B.League.
Among those who made sure to acknowledge the 23-year-old tweener's tremendous play was Japanese basketball stalwart JR Sakuragi. On Tuesday, Edu posted an Instagram Story that showed his legendary teammate’s message of encouragement.
“Great weekend. Keep working young, fella,” the 46-year-old veteran wrote.
The naturalized big man, formerly known as Milton Henderson Jr., was originally from Bakersfield, California. He played college ball at UCLA and was picked 56th overall in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. He moved to Japan in 2001 to continue his pro career.
In 2007, he obtained Japanese citizenship, and the legend of JR Sakuragi was born. He played for Japan's national team and established himself as a major inside force just like Hanamichi Sakuragi from the popular sports anime Slam Dunk. He played against the Philippines in several international competitions.
As for Edu, he held his own facing NBA bigs such as Karl-Anthony Towns of the Dominican Republic, Bruno Fernando of Angola, and Wenyen Gabriel of South Sudan in the FIBA World Cup. That whole experience must’ve helped a great deal in his transition to the pros.
Now that the paths of Edu and Sakuragi have crossed, a master-student relationship might just develop between the two hardworking cagers.
(PM)