Tim Cone could be thanking the high heavens by now as he just got some great news: Kai Sotto will be playing for Gilas Pilipinas—in the upcoming fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers at least.
Sotto, the 7-foot-3 center who anchored Gilas Pilipinas in the past, surprised many on Monday as he showed up for national team practice at the SMC Sports Facility. Cone later confirmed that Sotto went to practice because he will, indeed, be playing in that all-important fourth window at home.
“We had our first day of practice, and it was great, especially because Kai joined us in practice and is taking a break from his schedule to play for us in the window,” Cone said.
Cone Pleased With Kai Sotto’s Decision
Cone, who has maintained that Sotto is the centerpiece of Gilas Pilipinas, is naturally giddy, describing the big man as a game-changer for the nationals.
“No doubt, he’s a game-changer for us. I already feel like a better coach with him in the fold,” added Cone, who will be pulling double duty coaching in the qualifiers and in the 20th Asian Games. “It’s a do-or-die situation and we’re extremely happy that he responded to the call.”
Kai Sotto in the FIBA Window Only
As of this writing, it appears Kai Sotto is committed to play only in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, where the Philippines will be facing Jordan and Iran.
With a four-game losing skid and a 2-4 overall record, both games are the must-win kind, as only the top three teams among the newly formed Group E—composed of the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Iran, Jordan, and Syria—will advance.
At the moment, Gilas Pilipinas is way behind the proverbial record as it sits in fifth place behind Australia (6-0), Iran and Jordan (5-1), and New Zealand (4-2). Two wins could breathe life into the country’s dire campaign, while a single loss could be disastrous as it will push the nationals even further back.
So, Kai Sotto’s return is timely to say the least, especially with Quentin Millora-Brown still out recovering from back surgery, and Mike Phillips begging off to attend his brother’s wedding.
