MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone appears to totally harness the topnotch expertise of massive man AJ Edu because the Nationals vie for the FIBA Asia Cup mint minus Kai Sotto.
Not like the earlier window in February when he made his debut for Cone’s crew after lacking earlier campaigns as a consequence of knee harm, Edu is absolutely wholesome and has clocked extra coaching time with the Nationals now.
“He was superior within the tuneup towards Macau,” stated Cone of the 6-foot-10 Edu, who banged in 15 factors, three rebounds, and two assists in manning the fort whereas Sotto and June Mar Fajardo sat it out in Gilas’ 103-98 comeback win over the Black Bears Monday.
“It was actually necessary for AJ to be right here. Final journey we took, we solely had him for 2 days after which we arrived in Doha and performed video games after which we went to Taiwan, had one follow after which we went to New Zealand and had one follow. So, in impact, we solely had like 4 practices the entire final journey we had. So getting follow time (with Edu) was essential.”
Edu is embracing the heavier frontcourt load he would share with Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar because the 7-foot-3 Sotto continues to recuperate from ACL harm.
“It’s nonetheless an adjustment. Kai is such an necessary piece, particularly to the way in which we play the triangle. However we’re going to should make do with out him for now and everybody has to step up,” he stated.
The 25-year-old Edu is grateful to be injury-free for this window.
“Physique’s feeling nice. I’ve no points so I’m actually grateful for that, grateful for everybody who’s been serving to me get wholesome and keep wholesome so I’m hoping to maintain that going,” he stated.
Gilas wrapped up its home coaching yesterday and can resume work in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the host metropolis of the Aug. 5 to 17 Asia Cup.
Cone’s troops are scheduled to play the Jordan nationwide group in a pleasant on Saturday earlier than plunging into the motion in Group D of the Continental meet towards Chinese language-Taipei (Aug. 5), New Zealand (Aug. 7) and Iraq (Aug. 9).
