AJ Edu thankful for support as long ACL tear rehab begins

MANILA, Philippines – In exactly two minutes and two seconds, the dream run for AJ Edu and the Gilas Pilipinas Youth team at the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup turned into a nightmare.

Amid an incredibly tough ordeal, Edu had been pleasantly surprised and appreciative of the support thrown his way as he starts his arduous rehab process.

“The response has been unbelievable. I never really understood how much support I would have,” he said. “When it hit me – the amount of people that were praying for me and sending me messages – it was just unbelievable.”

“I’m just so proud that I can at least represent the Philippines for a little bit,” he added.

During a non-contact, coast-to-coast drive in their opening match against host Greece, the 6-foot-10 Fil-Nigerian star crumpled to the floor and clutched his right knee in visible pain.

That was the last image the country saw of Edu on the court. A few days later, everyone’s worst fears were realized as the US-NCAA sophomore suffered an ACL tear, a torn meniscus and a hairline fracture in his right femur with no timetable to return. (HIGHLIGHTS: Philippines vs Greece – FIBA U19 World Cup 2019 Group Phase)

With Edu clearly gone for the rest of the World Cup, he emphasized that the Philippines should not yet lose hope for Gilas Youth.

“We’re still a good team. Obviously I was a big contributor but we still have Kai (Sotto), Carl (Tamayo), and (Geo) Chiu. So we still have players who can do stuff,” he said.

“As long as they play with heart I will be there supporting them the whole time. I am just going to enjoy watching these guys represent us,” he added.

Gilas Youth will next face Russia at  1:30 am on Wednesday, July 3, Philippine time, as it looks for its first win of the tournament.

Edu will watch his teammates go to war without him, but he shared that it would be his motivation to come back.

“This is very disappointing. It’s something I have been thinking about all year – ever since we qualified. To go out right at the start was very disappointing. It’s the first time I have ever had a knee injury,” he said.

“It’s quite unlucky but these things happen. It’s part of life. I’m gonna be back stronger. I’m not worried,” he added. – Rappler.com