AJ Edu aims to bring versatility on defense for Toyama in Japan B.League

MANILA, Philippines—If there’s anything AJ Edu is confident he can bring to the table for the Toyama Grouses in the Japanese B.League, it’s his versatility on defense.

Fresh off his impressive Fiba World Cup 2023 stint with Gilas Pilipinas, Edu said he’s ready to help Toyama, which finished with a 15-45 record last year, in the upcoming B.League season.

“I think I bring a lot of versatility on defense. I think in the World Cup, that was how I was bringing the biggest impact, defensively. Definitely, I believe in my abilities offensively but for sure, the impact that I have defensively is to guard different NBA players in the World Cup,” said Edu in a press conference on Wednesday.

“That was an amazing experience to learn from so hopefully, I can take that in the B. League scene.”

During his five-game stretch under coach Chot Reyes, the Cypriot-born player averaged 8.2 points and 8.6 rebounds a night.

Edu also said he talked to his Gilas teammates Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, who are also all playing in the B.League.

“I talked and tried to get as much information from these guys and they have the experience of playing overseas and playing in the B. League. I just try to get and soak in as much information as I can.”

Last June before the international tournament, Edu signed with Toyama, which was formerly the team of Ramos who is now playing for Levanga Hokkaido.

From playing in the US, to the World Cup and now in the B.League, Edu made it clear that his motive hasn’t changed and he still aims to play his usual form in the Japanese league.

“[I’ll] just keep on doing what I’m doing. Simple as that. Don’t change how I’m playing. Just continuing to keep growing and learning.”