Eversince AJ Edu entered the consciousness of the Philippine basketball community, there's this comparison between him and Japeth Aguilar. And that's understandable since they share similarities in a number of aspects - height, physique (both are lanky), athleticism (though I think Japeth is more athletic) and role/position (both are natural "four"). But I think the expectation is that Edu is going to be a better player than Japeth specially in the FIBA game.
Here are the aspects in Edu's game that I think will be big factors that would make him a successful player in the FIBA game:
1. Ball handling - The first time I saw highlights of Edu's game, one of the aspects that made me noticed aside from his height & athleticism was his ball handling. I think in the era of modern basketball (as most people would like to put it), one advantage a "four" player can enjoy over his counterparts is if he possesses decent handles. Andray Blatche was a walking mismatch in Asian basketball mainly because of his excellent dribbling skills. If not for his excellent ball handling, Giannis Antetokounmpo would not have become an NBA superstar that he is right now. As a famous coach once said, "If you don't have good handles, there's no way you can attack the defense". If Japeth have decent handles I think he would have become a significantly better player both in the PBA & the FIBA game. A big man with decent ball handling would be able to expand his offensive game by a significant degree.
2. Lateral Movement/Reflexes - While Japeth Aguilar has better jumping/leaping ability than Edu, I think Edu has better lateral movement & quicker reflexes, which I believe is what makes Edu a better defender than Japeth. In the era of modern day basketball where big man can shoot 3's and operate very well from the perimeter, it is a must for big men, specially the "fours", to have good lateral movement & quick reflexes on the defensive side. Timing is also an important aspect in blocking shots, and this is an aspect where I see Edu is also good at. Hindi yung basta lang talon nang talon which makes the defensive player prone to foul baits.
3. Scoring - Another upside I see in Edu is the fact that he's a natural scorer. Remember, he is Batang Gilas U-18 team's leading scorer (not Kai Sotto) in the 2018 FIBA Asia U-18 Championship. He's got some touch from the 3-pt. area & for a big man to possess such arsenal is a big plus. His post-up moves may not yet be that polished yet but I think such aspect is expected to improve as he moves on. I think Edu's bread & butter in offense is his ability to drive or slash & his ability to attack the defense. And these are achieved becoz of his decent handles. Imagine a 6-foot-10 big guy streaking down court like a greyhound in transition. That would be very hard to stop.
4. Excellent Work Ethic - I think this kid has a pretty good work ethic & good attitude on & off the court. Such work ethic is being put to test as he works his way from coming back to the playing court after that ACL tear injury that he suffered last year while playing for Batang Gilas. I think with Edu's fine attitude & work eithic, he is going to come back strong from that unfortunate ACL injury.
Way to go AJ Edu.
Here are the aspects in Edu's game that I think will be big factors that would make him a successful player in the FIBA game:
1. Ball handling - The first time I saw highlights of Edu's game, one of the aspects that made me noticed aside from his height & athleticism was his ball handling. I think in the era of modern basketball (as most people would like to put it), one advantage a "four" player can enjoy over his counterparts is if he possesses decent handles. Andray Blatche was a walking mismatch in Asian basketball mainly because of his excellent dribbling skills. If not for his excellent ball handling, Giannis Antetokounmpo would not have become an NBA superstar that he is right now. As a famous coach once said, "If you don't have good handles, there's no way you can attack the defense". If Japeth have decent handles I think he would have become a significantly better player both in the PBA & the FIBA game. A big man with decent ball handling would be able to expand his offensive game by a significant degree.
2. Lateral Movement/Reflexes - While Japeth Aguilar has better jumping/leaping ability than Edu, I think Edu has better lateral movement & quicker reflexes, which I believe is what makes Edu a better defender than Japeth. In the era of modern day basketball where big man can shoot 3's and operate very well from the perimeter, it is a must for big men, specially the "fours", to have good lateral movement & quick reflexes on the defensive side. Timing is also an important aspect in blocking shots, and this is an aspect where I see Edu is also good at. Hindi yung basta lang talon nang talon which makes the defensive player prone to foul baits.
3. Scoring - Another upside I see in Edu is the fact that he's a natural scorer. Remember, he is Batang Gilas U-18 team's leading scorer (not Kai Sotto) in the 2018 FIBA Asia U-18 Championship. He's got some touch from the 3-pt. area & for a big man to possess such arsenal is a big plus. His post-up moves may not yet be that polished yet but I think such aspect is expected to improve as he moves on. I think Edu's bread & butter in offense is his ability to drive or slash & his ability to attack the defense. And these are achieved becoz of his decent handles. Imagine a 6-foot-10 big guy streaking down court like a greyhound in transition. That would be very hard to stop.
4. Excellent Work Ethic - I think this kid has a pretty good work ethic & good attitude on & off the court. Such work ethic is being put to test as he works his way from coming back to the playing court after that ACL tear injury that he suffered last year while playing for Batang Gilas. I think with Edu's fine attitude & work eithic, he is going to come back strong from that unfortunate ACL injury.
Way to go AJ Edu.
Comment