By el Amigo
MANILA, Philippines — There is still no definite word on whether Kai Sotto will be available for Gilas Pilipinas, with head coach Tim Cone confirming Monday, August 17, that the towering center has yet to communicate his plans for both the upcoming FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers window and the Asian Games.
“No word,” Cone said when asked about Sotto’s availability. “Even for the Asian Games. No word.”
Sotto’s status remains uncertain as Gilas deepens its preparations for the crucial FIBA window, in which the Philippines is scheduled to face Jordan on August 28 and Iran on August 30.
Cone previously indicated that Sotto remains focused on pursuing an NCAA opportunity in the United States, leaving the national team coaching staff without a clear indication of whether the 7-foot-3 big man will be available for national duty.
Recent reports have likewise confirmed that Sotto is not expected to be part of Gilas’ preparations for the coming FIBA window, although his availability for future national team commitments remains unsettled.
The uncertainty also extends to the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where Sotto has been included in the Philippines’ initial 30-man roster submitted to the organizers. His inclusion, however, does not guarantee that he will ultimately be available to play.
For Cone, the situation leaves Gilas preparing with the players currently available while hoping that the country’s prized young big man can eventually make himself available.
Sotto’s presence would provide Gilas with much-needed size and interior presence. In six games under Cone, he averaged 14.0 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks, while Gilas posted a 5-1 record in games he played.
But for now, there is nothing new to report.
As of Monday, August 17, Cone and Gilas are still waiting for an answer from Sotto — for the FIBA window, and even for the Asian Games.
elamigo/xf
