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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Gilas return still uncertain for big man Kai Sotto

Gilas return still uncertain for big man Kai Sotto

Published Jul 28, 2026 05:59 pm

At A Glance

  • Kai Sotto remains uncertain with his commitment to the national team program as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas prepares for major international tournaments in the next few months.
Kai Sotto's Gilas return remains indefinite. (Mark Balmores / File)
Kai Sotto's Gilas return remains indefinite. (Mark Balmores / File)
Kai Sotto remains uncertain with his commitment to the national team program as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas prepares for major international tournaments in the next few months.
Despite this, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Erika Dy is still supporting the 7-foot-3 center's ambition of making it to the NBA.
“Wait and see tayo lagi. Kai has a pathway to the NBA which he wants to keep open and we want to support him in that,” said Dy.
“So, titignan natin pag malapit na ‘yong window kung ano ‘yong magiging commitment ni Kai for the national team,” she added.
If Sotto wishes to return to his Gilas duty, the team will gladly welcome him back as the Nationals prepare for the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, where the Tim Cone-mentored crew plays two home games against Jordan (Aug. 28) and Iran (Aug. 30).
And if everything falls into place, Sotto might as well don the Philippine colors and lead the pack in its title defense in the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games in Japan.
Sotto's absence was felt during their previous campaign in the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asia Qualifiers, where Gilas went home winless after suffering back-to-back losses to New Zealand and Australia.
The Nationals, with Sotto manning the interior, got the better of the Tall Blacks, 93-89, during their showdown at the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers nearly two years ago at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, where the NBA aspirant starred with 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and two blocks.
Unfortunately, Sotto suffered a torn left ACL a few months later which hindered his campaign with the Philippines.
“Well I think that’s his way of keeping in shape… kailangan makalaro-laro rin sya… Pero matanda naman na si Kai, he knows what he’s doing and he’s accountable naman for his own actions,” Dy concluded.

Related Tags

Kai Sotto Gilas Pilipinas
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