Kai Sotto unlikely to join Gilas Pilipinas in February window

Filipino wunderkind Kai Sotto might not be around when Gilas Pilipinas sees action in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers starting February 24.

According to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio, the 19-year-old cager still has a commitment in Australia, where he is currently suiting up as import for the Adelaide 36ers in NBL.

Sotto, though, is expected to join once the nationals start their campaign in the World Cup, which the Philippines will co-host alongside Japan and Indonesia next year.

"Maybe not for the February window because he has commitments in Australia  but definitely, we'd like Kai to be part of the world cup team in 2023," said Panlilio in a press conference Friday.

"If we can bring him in, it's a big plus to the team. But happy to see his development, I hope he can continue to develop and yes, I'm happy for Kai."

Sotto made his senior national squad debut during the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers last year where he posted averages of 9.3 points, seven rebounds, and 1.3 assists in three games.

Currently, the 7-foot-3 prodigy is averaging 8.6 markers, 4.4 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks for the 36ers, who rank eighth in the team standings with a 4-6 slate.

Even without Sotto, Gilas Pilipinas will still have plenty of talent with some players from the TNT Tropang Giga as well as Ange Kouame, Tzaddy Rangel, William Navarro, Jaydee Tungcab, and Juan Gomez de Liaño joining the team. Dwight Ramos is also expected to be part of the team.

The Philippines will face South Korea on February 24 before clashing with India on the 25th and New Zealand on the 27th at the Araneta Coliseum.

—JMB, GMA News