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| After a long while, AJ Edu is back in a FIBA-sanctioned event. Qatar Basketball Federation (file photo) |
MANILA—AJ Edu and Jamie Malonzo are set to make their first FIBA-sanctioned game back for Gilas Pilipinas as they are part of the 12-man roster that will play Chinese Taipei in a FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers clash on Thursday night at the Taipei Heiping Basketball Gymnasium.
Due to their recent injuries, both Edu and Malonzo missed a lengthy period of national team basketball.
Now that they are healthy again, coach Tim Cone immediately added both forwards to the final lineup.
Edu and Malonzo are part of the "Core 12" on the road to the 2027 FIBA World Cup.
Japeth Aguilar, Justin Brownlee, June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, and Scottie Thompson will join the two in the "Final 12."
Aguilar makes the trip to Taiwan after begging off from joining Gilas in the Doha International Cup due to personal reasons.
Troy Rosario, the latest addition to the Gilas pool due to Kai Sotto's ACL injury, and Mason Amos will sit out the Chinese Taipei game.
Although already a non-bearing game with both Gilas and New Zealand securing their places in the FIBA Asia Cup itself, the Filipino side aims to finish the qualifying phase strong in the February window.
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