AJ Edu and the remainder of Gilas Pilipinas perceive that everybody has to step up as they’re set to navigate the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup with out one among their key huge males in Kai Sotto.
That was on full show throughout their pleasant match in opposition to the Macau Black Bears on Monday, the place the Filipinos rallied for a gritty 103–98 comeback win in entrance of their residence crowd.
Regular suspect Justin Brownlee was in his component in his first sport again for the flag, dropping a game-high 32 factors on 5-of-7 capturing from downtown and accumulating 15 rebounds, 5 assists, one steal, and a block.
Brownlee, although, did not lack help together with his teammates stepping up within the 21-point fightback.
Dwight Ramos churned out 19 factors, 4 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block whereas Edu made his presence felt on the paint with 15 markers and three boards.
Kevin Quiambao chipped in 14 factors, 5 rebounds, and two assists whereas Scottie Thompson and CJ Perez completed with 10 and 7 markers to rally the Philippines from a double-digit deficit.
“[Coach Tim said] nothing particular [at the halftime break], he simply is aware of we’re higher than that, that first half wasn’t us,” Edu stated.
“He simply wished us to be who we’re, who we’ve been making ready to be.”
Regardless of the win, AJ Edu acknowledged that Kai Sotto’s absence leaves a major void, however careworn that the crew is able to rise to the problem within the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The 7-foot-3 Sotto was dominated out for the event after sustaining an ACL injury while suiting up for Koshigaya within the Japan B. League earlier this yr.
?”It’s nonetheless an adjustment. Kai is such an vital piece, particularly to the best way we play within the triangle,” Edu added.
“However we’re gonna should make do with out him for now and everybody decides to step and tonight, you noticed how many individuals stepped up and we simply gotta maintain that going till Kai comes again.”
—JMB, GMA Built-in Information