GILAS Pilipinas national team training pool member AJ Edu and former University of the Philippines standout Juan Gomez de Liaño took big steps in their careers last Tuesday.
The 6-foot-10 Edu opted to go pro and signed with the Toyama Grouses in the Japan B. League.
Edu said he is looking forward to starting his pro stint with Toyama.
“Really excited to begin my professional basketball journey at the Toyama Grouses,” Edu said. “Looking forward to meeting all the staff, players, and fans and giving my best on the court for you guys!”
Edu, 23, saw action Gilas Youth in the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Greece where he suffered an ACL tear on his right knee.
He also went down with the same injury on his left knee in one of University of Toledo’s practices two years ago.
The development came just weeks after the Cypriot-born Filipino center graduated from college in the United States.
Gomez De Liaño, meanwhile, is bringing his act to the Seoul SK Knights in the Korea Basketball League.
He previously suited up for Earth Friends Tokyo Z in the fledgling Japan league before linking up with the BC Wolves in Lithuania.
The Seoul SK Knights finished as bridesmaids last season, losing to Rhenz Abando’s Anyang KGC team in the finals.
