AJ Edu expressed admiration to Japeth Aguilar and Kiefer Ravena during their preparation for the FIBA Basketball World Cup that the country will host from 25 August to 10 September.

In a telephone conversation with Daily Tribune, the 6-foot-10 Edu said he likes Aguilar's combination of skills, size and athleticism, making him one of the team's most reliable players heading into the second leg of their training for the 32-nation tournament.

"In terms of player my size, I'm impressed with the way Japeth Aguilar plays. He's got the size and the athleticism and for a guy his age, he's so mobile, so versatile," Edu said.

"I'll have to pattern my game to some of the things that he's been doing, particularly on the defensive end."

Edu is not yet in shape after suffering an injury while training in Brisbane.

Still, he was among the first players to report for training as some of the members of the 20-man pool were either injured or resting following a grueling campaign in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.

Gilas leave for the second leg of their training in Estonia on Thursday night before pushing for another camp in Lithuania.

Edu added that was also impressed by the overall performance of Kiefer Ravena.

"I like his decision-making. He's so smart. He's got good handles and I like the way he keeps a hold of the team and makes the players around him look good," added Edu, who just recently signed a deal with the Toyama Grouses in the Japan B. League.

He said playing in Japan will be a best option for him, similar to the route taken by Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Ray Parks and Dwight Ramos.

"This is the best option for me, other than playing and representing the Philippines in international competitions. At least, I will also be able to represent the country in Japan, just like Kiefer and the other Gilas players," Edu said.