Gilas' competency is questioned without the inclusion of Edu, according to Cone.
Fully Loaded Gilas Pilipinas Still Feels Incomplete Without AJ Edu
🇵🇭 Manila, Phils - Tim Cone, the coach of Gilas Pilipinas, is adamant that the national team’s best lineup has yet to take the court and that 6'10" center AJ Edu is a crucial piece missing from the puzzle.
Edu missed the Phils' triumphant March through the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in the second window due to another knee injury, leaving the squad without its biggest presence in the paint.
Bemoaning the absence of Edu, Cone stated, "I tell him all the time, we won't feel like a complete team until he's part of our lineup. We won't be at our best until AJ steps on the court with us."
Painful but manageable
Edu sustained a torn meniscus last December, sidelining him for the first window and the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July. He returned to action in the Japan B. League with Nagasaki Velca, but hurt his right knee just days before the second window on November 9.
Despite it not being a major injury, Cone and his staff decided not to risk further injury to Edu before he could suit up for the team. "If it had been the FIBA Asia Cup or the World Cup, he might have played through it," said Cone. "But we wanted to exercise caution due to his history of knee injuries."
Strong success without Edu
Despite the absence of Edu, the Nationals remained undefeated, bagging a historic 93-89 victory over New Zealand on November 21 and a 93-54 blowout of Hong Kong on November 24.
Revving up for the road ahead
Edu can shake off his long absence from the national team, which stretches back to the FIBA World Cup, when the Philippines embarks on the third window, facing New Zealand and Chinese Taipei.
A resilient star returns
Once fully recovered, Edu will link up with the Gunma Crane Thunder in Japan's B. League, challenging a new phase in his career. His athleticism and tenacity bring a unique spark to both his professional squad and the national team, playing a vital role in their future success.
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Missing piece in the puzzleIn the absence of AJ Edu, the national team, Gilas Pilipinas, is yet to field its best lineup, according to coach Tim Cone, with Edu being a vital missing piece.
Awaiting AJ's returnWhile Gilas Pilipinas has performed strongly without AJ Edu, the team's coach believes they won't be at their best until Edu is part of their lineup, eagerly awaiting his return.
