Kai Sotto back for Gilas Pilipinas’ crucial homestand

Kai Sotto smiles during a game against New Zealand in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers at Mall of Asia Arena.-Sotto is making his national team return for the second round of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers this August.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Justin Brownlee isn’t the only key piece rejoining Gilas Pilipinas for the second round of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Kai Sotto, the 7-foot-3 center, stood out on Monday when Gilas Pilipinas held its first practice at SMC Sports Facility in Pasig City.

Sotto’s return is a big development for the Philippines, which hosts a pair of crucial games against Jordan on August 28 and Iran on August 30 at Mall of Asia Arena.

READ: Cone prepares to handle two Gilas squads for Fiba, Asian Games defense

The 24-year-old center hasn’t seen action for Gilas since leading the Nationals to a 93-54 whipping of Hong Kong in the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers on November 24, 2024 at Mall of Asia Arena. Sotto posted 12 points and 15 rebounds in the 39-point rout that came just three days after he helped the Philippines earn a historic 93-89 win over New Zealand.

That game against the Kiwis saw Sotto deliver his best performance for Gilas with 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two blocks. Sotto, however, suffered a torn ACL in his left knee two months later while playing for the Koshigaya Alphas in the B.League.

Running fifth in Group E standings with a 2-4 record through the first round, Gilas needs to sweep its upcoming homestand to boost its chances of finishing in the top three and secure a ticket to the 2027 World Cup in Doha, Qatar.

In case they miss the cut, the Filipinos can still qualify for the global showpiece by finishing as the best fourth-placed team in both Group E and Group F.

Gilas will be out for redemption this time after dropping its last four games in the qualifiers, including a 92-49 blowout at the hands of undefeated Australia in Perth last month.

Brownlee was out in Gilas’ loss to the Aussies due to various leg and knee injuries.