Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao thrilled to have Kai Sotto back in Gilas

Carl Tamayo (No. 33) and Kevin Quiambao (second from left) are two young mainstays who represent the future of the national team.—FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas will feature a rearranged roster for the second round of the 2027 Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers, losing one vital piece but welcoming back another.

While coach Tim Cone ruled out Justin Brownlee, the national squad will see the return of a fully healthy Kai Sotto.

Young guns Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao both expressed excitement about the 7-foot-3 Sotto rejoining the program, particularly with the team missing Brownlee’s veteran presence.

“Of course, it’s a big deal because we all know the impact that Kai has on the game,” Tamayo said. “His size, his talent, and his IQ in the game—we’ve been waiting for a long time for Kai to join the national team again.”

READ: Carl Tamayo says Gilas needs team effort to fill Brownlee void

“It will change the course of our game, especially defensively and in rebounding. We’ll be more consistent in that part of the game. I’m very happy that Kai is back healthy.”

Without Sotto, the Philippines struggled, losing its last four games for a 2-4 record in Group A, a pool dominated by an undefeated Australia team (6-0).

Sotto last suited up for Gilas in November 2024, when he turned in a dominant 19-point, 10-rebound double-double to help the Philippines stun New Zealand, 93-89, in the Asia Cup Qualifiers.

Gilas has missed that interior dominance since then, as Sotto suffered a torn ACL in the B.League shortly after that historic victory over the Kiwis.

READ: Kevin Quiambao to show same ‘stay-ready’ mentality for Gilas

Quiambao, who plays as an import in the Korea Basketball League (KBL), is eager to share the floor with Sotto once again.

“I’m very happy that Kai is back,” Quiambao said in Filipino. “We all know that he’s a big piece for the team. We saw how big of an impact Kai has on the game. Kai is a big help for us. We’ll just do our roles and stick to the system.”

Gilas plays crucial home games against Jordan on Friday and Iran on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.