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Injuries have kept frontcourt partners AJ Edu and Kai Sotto from playing together as they last shared the court for Gilas Pilipinas two years ago
MANILA, Philippines – AJ Edu said playing without Kai Sotto remains an adjustment as Gilas Pilipinas heads to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the FIBA Asia Cup slated to begin on August 5.
The national team has been without Sotto for half a year since he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in January, and yet his absence is still largely felt, with Edu sharing head coach Tim Cone’s sentiments that the Philippines can compete better with the rest of the world with the 7-foot-3 big man in tow.
“It’s still an adjustment. Kai’s such an important piece, especially to the way we play in the triangle. But we’re going to have to make do without him for now. Everyone just has to step up,” said Edu.
Edu and Sotto have proven to be a formidable frontcourt duo — the two leading Gilas Youth to its first FIBA U19 World Cup appearance in four decades in 2019.
Injuries, though, have kept them from playing together as they last shared the court during the Philippines’ co-hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Edu got sidelined for most of 2024 due to knee issues, missing out on the first two windows of the Asia Cup and the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
When Edu finally recovered, it was Sotto who got hurt.
But Edu showed he can hold the fort as he produced 15 point and 3 rebounds in the Nationals’ come-from-behind 103-98 victory over the Macau Black Bears in their send-off game for the Asia Cup last Monday, July 28.
He was part of a balanced attack that saw five players score in double digits led by the 32-point explosion of Justin Brownlee.
“I’m feeling great, feeling healthy. I want to take this opportunity to thank the Lord for the restoration of my health. Feeling great,” said Edu.
Edu said it takes a collective effort to make up for the absence of Sotto.
“You saw how many people stepped up. We just got to keep that going until Kai comes back,” he said.
Bunched in Group D, Gilas Pilipinas battles Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, and Iraq, needing at least a top-three finish to advance to the next round. – Rappler.com
