THERE IS an extra dose of enthusiasm at the Gilas Pilipinas camp as it kicked off its buildup for the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
And coach Tim Cone and the Nationals have a big reason to feel so — all 7-foot-3 of him.
Kai Sotto, a key cog whose absence in previous campaigns left a huge void, finally reported for Philippine team duties again.
Feared to be missing the next set of games as well, Mr. Sotto gave everyone a pleasant surprise and announced his much awaited Gilas return.
“You know what time it is!!!” he posted on social media to accompany a photo of himself wearing the familiar blue jersey, hugging a ball on his chest, his face covered by hair.
Mr. Sotto’s post coincided with his appearance at Gilas’ initial sessions. This certainly provided sunshine to a gloomy Monday evening and brought optimism as the squad guns for crucial victories against Jordan and Iran on Aug. 28 and 30, respectively, at the SM MOA Arena.
“No doubt, he’s a game-changer for us,” coach Mr. Cone said.
Gilas missed the 24-year-old slotman for almost two years. He was forced out of action by an ACL tear he sustained while playing in the Japan B.League in January 2025 and though already recovered during the third window last July, he skipped the gig to focus on his NBA bid.
Mr. Sotto last suited up for Gilas in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in November 2024, where he averaged 15.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.3 blocks in four matches.
Now that he’s back, that’s one giant problem solved for Gilas as it tries to prop up its drive for the four World Cup tickets up for grabs in the second round of the Qualifiers.
After Round 1, the Nationals sit at fifth in Group E with eight points on a 2-4 win-loss card behind Australia (12 on 6-0), Iran (11 on 5-1), Jordan (11 on 5-1) and New Zealand (10 on 4-2) and ahead of Syria (8 on 2-4) on tiebreak.
“As we have said, it’s a do or die situation and we’re extremely happy that he responded to the call,” said Mr. Cone, who was scampering for a frontliner with Quentin Millora-Brown and Mike Phillips unavailable, too. — Olmin Leyba