Kai Sotto and AJ Edu: Key Injuries Threaten Gilas Pilipinas' FIBA Asia Cup Qualifier Push

JUN MAR FAJARDO — FIBA.BASKETBALL

Brogosil Sports - As Gilas Pilipinas gears up for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, the national team faces a challenging road ahead, with two of its key players, Kai Sotto and AJ Edu, both dealing with injuries. These setbacks come at a critical time for the team, which is aiming to strengthen its position in the qualifiers. Here’s a deeper look into the impact of these injuries and how Gilas plans to move forward.

The Status of Kai Sotto

Kai Sotto, standing at an impressive 7-foot-3, has long been one of the central figures for Gilas Pilipinas, both on defense and offense. However, he’s stepping into an even larger role due to the absence of June Mar Fajardo, who is sidelined with a calf injury​.With Fajardo out, Sotto is expected to shoulder more of the responsibility in the frontcourt.

Despite the added pressure, Sotto has expressed his readiness to rise to the occasion. In a press conference, he reiterated his commitment to the team and highlighted that everyone must step up, as Gilas will be missing some of their top big men​. As the team’s main center, Sotto’s leadership will be pivotal in the upcoming games, particularly with the defensive and rebounding duties that come with his role.

AJ Edu's Recovery and Team Adjustments

AJ Edu’s situation is equally challenging. The 6-foot-9 forward is still recovering from a meniscus injury he sustained recently​. While Edu is expected to return to the court in the coming months, his absence is a blow to Gilas’ plans for the qualifiers. Edu has been a key player for Gilas, offering versatility in the frontcourt and a strong defensive presence. His injury leaves a noticeable gap, one that the team will need to adjust to quickly.

In response, coach Tim Cone has brought in veteran Japeth Aguilar to help bolster the frontcourt alongside Sotto​. While Aguilar is stepping into a more prominent role, young forward Carl Tamayo may also be asked to play out of position to provide additional support. This situation underscores the next-man-up mentality that Gilas must adopt during this stretch of the qualifiers.

The Road Ahead for Gilas

Despite these challenges, Gilas remains optimistic. The team has a deep roster, with players like Sotto and Aguilar ready to take on bigger responsibilities. With a strong support system and a focus on teamwork, the national team is committed to pushing forward, even in the face of adversity.

As the qualifiers progress, fans will be watching closely to see how the team adapts to the absences of key players. For now, it’s clear that Sotto and Aguilar’s leadership will be critical as Gilas works toward securing its spot in the Asia Cup.

For more updates on Gilas and their journey through the qualifiers, keep an eye on official news sources and sports outlets covering the event.

Source: OneSports  BusinessWorld