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| AJ Edu's Gilas return would have to wait at least for a few more days. Inspire Sports Academy |
MANILA—AJ Edu has been ruled out for Gilas Pilipinas' Thursday night game against New Zealand in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced on Wednesday night that both Japeth Aguilar and Mason Amos, the two players designated as local injury reserves, are in the final 12-man Gilas lineup against the Tall Blacks.
Jamie Malonzo's unavailability for the November window assured either Aguilar or Mason will make the cut, but with Edu, who hurt his knee on Nov. 9 in a Japan B.League game, also out, both big men will be in the Final 12.
Also making the cut are Justin Brownlee, June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo, and Scottie Thompson.
Sotto's inclusion serves as good news after he entered the B.League's concussion protocols also following a Nov. 9 game.
Sotto was finally given a clearance from the protocols on Monday, just in time for Gilas' tune-up game against Meralco.
Brownlee's inclusion, on the other hand, would mean Ange Kouame, who was added to the pool this month, will have to watch the Gilas-New Zealand game from the sidelines.
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