FILE – Kai Sotto during his Gilas Pilipinas’ stint. Photo from Fiba
MANILA, Philippines—Kai Sotto is unlikely to join Gilas Pilipinas in the Fiba Asia Cup 2022 from July 12 to 24 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Philippine men’s national basketball team program director Chot Reyes bared that they have still yet to receive word from the 7-foot-3 center about suiting up for the Philippine team in the Asian meet.
“Mukhang wala na (It seems unlikely that he’ll play). He has decided to do some other thing and forego the Fiba Asia Cup,” Reyes told reporters after Gilas Pilipinas’ 79-63 victory over India on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena. “We’re still hoping, but to be very honest, medyo malabo (chances are bleak at this point).”
“We have (communicated) and they said no. They haven’t said no but they’re not saying yes. If it’s not a yes, we already know what it is,” he added.
After Sotto was not drafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, his agent Joel Bell said the 20-year-old is skipping the Summer League to play for Gilas.
However, the former Adelaide 36er clarified that his handler misspoke with regard to the matter.
Gilas Pilipinas is in need of a center with Ange Kouame still out with a partial ACL tear and Sotto would certainly be a welcome addition if he’s available.
Geo Chiu was the lone center for the young national team against New Zealand and India in the third window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
The Filipinos split their two games, absorbing a 60-106 blowout to New Zealand before bouncing back against the Indians at home.