Kai Sotto set to join Gilas Pilipinas at FIBA Asia Cup, but will not play

In a move aimed at fostering team chemistry and continuity, towering Filipino big man Kai Sotto is set to join Gilas Pilipinas when the national team travels to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, which kicks off on August 5. However, fans eager to see the 7-foot-3 center in action will have to wait, as Sotto is still in the crucial stages of recovery from a torn ACL he sustained earlier this year.

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone confirmed Sotto’s inclusion in the traveling party, emphasizing that while the Japan B.League standout won’t be cleared to play or practice, his presence on the bench is vital for team morale and long-term program development.

“Right now, Kai is scheduled to go with us to Jeddah — as our cheerleader,” Cone said in a recent interview. “He wants to support the team. But he’s not ready to play.”

Sotto suffered an ACL injury in January while playing for the Koshigaya Alphas. Recovery from such an injury typically requires an extensive rehabilitation period, often ranging from nine to twelve months. 

Cone indicated that the earliest Sotto might be able to return to competitive play is November, coinciding with the start of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Even then, the coach cautioned that a January or February 2026 return might be more realistic, contingent on a perfect recovery.

Coach Tim Cone says Kai Sotto joining Gilas Pilipinas in their FIBA Asia Cup journey — even as a mere cheerleader on the bench — is crucial for the team.

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“We’re not gonna rush Kai back to the national team. I expect Kai to be playing for the national team when he’s 35,” Cone added, underscoring Sotto’s importance as a cornerstone for the future of Philippine basketball. “We’re gonna make sure he’s a hundred, or 1,000 percent so that when he does come, we can use him fully.”

Despite Sotto’s absence on the court, his presence in Jeddah will allow him to continue bonding with his national teammates, a crucial aspect of Gilas Pilipinas’ long-term vision under Coach Cone. The team has already secured its spot in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup after a strong showing in the qualifiers, where Sotto notably played a significant role in earlier windows.

In Jeddah, Gilas Pilipinas is grouped with Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, and Iraq in Group D. While the team will rely on the likes of Justin Brownlee, June Mar Fajardo, and Dwight Ramos to lead the charge, Sotto’s towering frame and positive influence from the sidelines will undoubtedly be felt as Gilas aims for a strong showing in the continental tournament. 

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