Photo from FIBA |
by Drew Malihan
MANILA - Two months before the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, one of the hopefuls to make the final roster in Manila will head to central Japan to kickstart his professional basketball career.
Ariel John "AJ" Edu will head to B.League Division 1 side Toyama Grouses as the team's Asian import for the 2023-24 season, as confirmed by the team on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old, who spent four years of college basketball for Toledo Rockets, will officially sign the contract after the completion of medical checks and other procedures.
"Really excited to begin my professional basketball journey at Toyama Grouses!" Edu said in the statement released by the Grouses.
"Looking forward to meeting all the staff, player and fans and giving my best on the court for you guys," he added.
The 6-10 stretch five averaged 3.1 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 72 games in NCAA, but has shown potential in his U-18 Asian stint with Gilas Pilipinas, averaging 14.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game in 2018.
AJ will also be the second Filipino player to suit up for Toyama after Dwight Ramos who played in the 2021-22 season.
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