Kai Sotto to make much-needed Gilas return
MANILA, Philippines — Ahead of the crucial fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone said he would like a “little bit more size” due to availability issues to some of his big men.
Well, good news has arrived for the Philippine team.
Following uncertainty about his availability, center Kai Sotto is back in tow for Gilas.
He will be anchoring the frontline of the national team as it aims to strengthen its World Cup drive.
The 7-foot-3 big man himself announced that he is back, as practices started anew on Monday.
“You know what time it is!!” Sotto said on Instagram, as he posted a photo of him in a Gilas jersey.
Reports have said that Sotto joined the practice on Monday.
He last played for the Nationals back in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.
The 24-year-old is definitely one of the most important players of the team, and his presence will be a huge boost for Gilas, which is currently holding a 2-4 win-loss record in the qualifiers.
Sotto’s return is much welcome with big men Quentin Millora-Brown (back surgery) and Mike Phillips (brother’s wedding) expected to miss the qualifiers.
The Philippines will take on Jordan and Iran in the fourth window, with both games set to be played here in the country.
Cone has said that the team's margin of error has “really dissipated” for them, as the Philippines sits fifth in Group E play behind Australia (6-0), Iran and Jordan (both 5-1), and New Zealand 4-2).
Only the top three teams of Groups E and F, as well as the fourth-best squad will qualify for the World Cup.
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