Quentin Millora-Brown, Kai Sotto lock in for Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA qualifiers push

With the calendar tightening and the stakes rising, Gilas Pilipinas has finally secured the last two commitments needed to stabilize its rotation for the next phase of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

The national program received a major boost after Quentin Millora-Brown formally pledged his availability for Window 2, signaling that the team’s frontcourt structure is beginning to take shape just in time for the crucial home stand.

His commitment follows days of negotiations between his camp and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, primarily centered on contractual details required for insurance coverage and official club release during international windows.

The update was first reported by Homer Sayson and later confirmed by Gilas head coach Tim Cone.

“We’re hearing from the SBP that he might arrive tomorrow,” Cone said in a text message.

Millora-Brown, currently playing for Chiba in Japan, quietly made an impact during the first qualifying window, averaging 7.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks against Guam. His rebounding presence and defensive length immediately addressed one of the team’s most pressing needs—interior stability.

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After talks with Quentin Millora-Brown and his family, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) confirms his return to Manila from Japan—answering the call for Gilas Pilipinas in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.#GilasPilipinas #FIBAACQ pic.twitter.com/JUeT52AYbw

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) February 19, 2026

His arrival also deepens a frontcourt rotation that already includes AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, and Justin Brownlee, giving Cone flexibility depending on matchups against bigger international lineups.

Gilas will host New Zealand on February 26 and Australia on March 1. While Millora-Brown strengthens the immediate window, another major piece has been mapped out for the longer stretch.

Sources confirmed that Kai Sotto has committed to rejoin the national team beginning Window 3 in July, marking his official return to Gilas competition after recovering from an ACL injury.

Sotto last played for the national squad during the 2025 Asia Cup Qualifiers and is currently working his way back into full form with Koshigaya in Japan. The 7-foot-3 center is averaging 11.1 points and 9.3 rebounds across eight games since returning to action, though his club continues to carefully manage his minutes.

Rather than rushing his comeback, Gilas and Sotto’s camp appear aligned on a gradual reintegration strategy—one that prioritizes long-term availability over short-term risk.

Even so, Sotto is expected to be present during the current window for team viewings and system refreshers, ensuring he remains connected to Cone’s structure ahead of the July road games.

With Millora-Brown locked in for Window 2 and Sotto penciled in for Window 3, the national pool now carries clearer continuity—something Gilas has been working toward since the start of the new Olympic cycle.

For Cone, the focus now shifts from assembling talent to refining chemistry, as the Philippines looks to maintain its unbeaten start in Pool A while preparing for tougher tests ahead in the qualifiers.

The pieces are finally falling into place. Now comes the harder part—turning a deep pool into a consistent winning rotation.

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