AJ Edu shoulders bigger responsibility as Gilas misses Kai Sotto

AJ Edu is anticipated to take on a more significant role for the Gilas Pilipinas national basketball team due to the absence of Kai Sotto and an injury to June Mar Fajardo. Sotto is sidelined with a knee injury sustained in January and will miss the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia this August. Edu acknowledged Sotto's absence as a tough loss for the team.

Speaking at the launch of Gilas' new jerseys in Makati, Edu stated that with one of the star players out, the entire team, not just him, must step up and take on added responsibility.

Edu's recent performance includes averaging 8.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in two Asia Cup qualifying games for Gilas. During the 2024-2025 season with Nagasaki Velca in the Japan B. League, he played in 59 out of 60 games, averaging 5.6 points, a team-high 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game (which ranked second in the league). He recently signed with the Gunma Crane Thunders in June.

Edu arrived in the Philippines earlier this week to regain game shape and prepare to join Gilas' practices. He expressed feeling blessed and honored to represent the country, stating he doesn't take the opportunity for granted and is very excited for the chance.