Kai Sotto’s decision looms as Gilas awaits final word for FIBA World Cup qualifiers

As the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers draws near, the conversation around Gilas Pilipinas centers on one towering figure: Kai Sotto.

At 7-foot-3, Sotto’s presence would instantly change the complexion of Gilas’ upcoming home games against the New Zealand Tall Blacks and the Australia men’s national basketball team. But while much of the speculation has pointed to club restrictions, sources insist the situation is more nuanced—and far less controversial than initially portrayed.

Contrary to earlier reports, Sotto’s B.League team, the Koshigaya Alphas, has already given him the green light to represent the Philippines.

“Like QMB, he got a go-signal from his club (Koshigaya Alphas) to suit up for Gilas,” a source said on condition of anonymity.

The clarification matters. Reports suggesting that Koshigaya withheld permission—particularly with Sotto recently returning from ACL surgery—did not sit well with the Japanese club’s management. Sources said Alphas officials even reached out to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to reiterate their willingness to release the Filipino center.

The club also reportedly contacted Sotto’s representation, East West, to determine how their organization became linked to the narrative that they were blocking his participation.

So if not the club, what is holding things back?

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Kai Sotto looks 100% healthy and continues his fine play, dropping 15 pts and 15 reb to help Koshigoya to another win. I know his team is being overly cautious but injuries can happen anytime.

It’d be disingenuous to say he isn’t healthy enough to suit up for Gilas right now. pic.twitter.com/kGpYD0TtsI

— PBA insider (@PBAinsider) February 15, 2026

Insiders point to timing and opportunity. Sotto is said to be in consideration for a potential short-term NBA deal—an opportunity that could materialize before or during the qualifier window. With that possibility on the horizon, his camp is believed to be weighing the risks of immediate national team play versus preserving his health and availability for a breakthrough at the highest level.

For Gilas, the stakes are clear. The Philippines will be facing bigger, more physical squads, making Sotto’s size and rim protection a valuable asset. Teammates have acknowledged the importance of frontcourt depth, especially against traditionally tall lineups like New Zealand and Australia.

Training camp preparations continue, but Sotto’s status remains the final domino.

His club has stepped aside. The federation is waiting. The fans are watching.

Now, the decision rests on whether national duty aligns with career timing—and whether Gilas will have its tallest pillar when the qualifiers tip off.

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