SBP committed to AJ Edu despite ACL tear at FIBA U19 World Cup

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Sunday emphasized that they remained committed to AJ Edu after the Gilas Pilipinas Youth big man suffered an ACL injury during the Philippine team's opening game against Greece at the FIBA U19 World Cup.

In a statement posted on the SBP's Twitter account, SBP President Al Panlilio said they would provide Edu whatever help he needed to recover.

"I sent him a message that the SBP is committed to help him get through this ordeal and we are behind him all the way," Panlilio said in a statement.

ASPeaks :

The #GilasPilipinas Youth program is steadfast in its commitment to support AJ Edu as he starts the recovery process after suffering an ACL injury at the #FIBAU19 World Cup in Greece.

We pray for a speedy recovery for AJ#SBP #LabanPilipinas #ParaSaBayan pic.twitter.com/G68BIbQ6PJ

— SBP (@officialSBPinc) June 30, 2019

"As I said to you, this is a journey together," said the SBP president in a message to Edu. "We will be with you. Walang iwanan."

Gilas Pilipinas Youth head coach Sandy Arrespacochaga considered Edu's loss a tough challenge for the U-19 team.

"It’s tough because he’s our defensive anchor," explained Arespacochaga in an interview posted on the FIBA website.

Aside from playing for the national team, Edu was also part of US NCAA Division I basketball team Toledo Rockets of the University of Toledo, Ohio.

The Philippines lost to Greece, 85-69.

However, they have an opportunity to bounce back against Argentina, Sunday night (early Monday morning, PHL time). — Justin Kenneth Carandang/DVM, GMA News