AJ Edu has an important decision to make as he joins Gilas Pilipinas in its buildup for the FIBA Basketball World Cup that the country will host from 25 August to 10 September.
The 6-foot-10 former Toledo College star stressed that he has yet to plot his future and decide whether to join the Philippine Basketball Association or bring his talent overseas.
Edu is the first among overseas Filipinos to report for Gilas duty.
Although nothing is cast in stone, he is tipped to be the cornerstone of a powerful Gilas roster being assembled together with six-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Kai Sotto and National Basketball Association standout Jordan Clarkson, who will come in as naturalized player.
He said representing the country had always been in his radar.
“This is something I dreamed of since I was young: To represent the country not only in the junior level but in the men’s level as well,” the 23-year-old Edu said shortly after landing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Wednesday.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been here and I’m really excited for the opportunity.”
Edu is no stranger to donning the national jersey.
In fact, he bannered the national youth team in the FIBA U17 3×3 World Cup and the FIBA U19 Championship in 2019.
His last stint for the country, however, ended in a disaster as he tore his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus two minutes into their U19 game.
Now, he is coming back stronger, hoping to settle his unfinished business of making the country proud.
Edu said the possibilities are endless as soon as the World Cup is over.
“I’m looking at a few options, but I haven’t thought of anything concrete yet,” Edu said.
“But in the next couple of weeks, the news will definitely come out.”
