Kai Sotto will travel with Gilas Pilipinas to Jeddah for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, but he won’t be suiting up for the games. The 7-foot-3 center is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered earlier this year while playing in Japan. Although he has started light training, he has not been cleared for contact drills or game action.
“Right now, Kai is scheduled to go with us to Jeddah—as our cheerleader. He wants to support the team. But he’s not ready to play,” Gilas coach Tim Cone said in an interview.
While he won’t participate on the court, his presence is seen as vital for team chemistry, especially for a squad featuring a mix of veterans and up-and-coming talent. Sotto’s inclusion is part of a broader plan to keep him integrated with the national program ahead of future tournaments.
Quiet Leadership from the Sidelines
Sotto’s injury, sustained in January, has sidelined him for the bulk of the year. His recovery is being managed cautiously, with the goal of gradually easing him back into full basketball activity. Though he’s making progress, team medical staff have advised against rushing his return. Gilas officials are hopeful he can be ready to contribute during the next window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
“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. You know, so that's really the goal. He's gonna be playing all these years, so we're not gonna rush him back this year,” Cone expressed during his interview.
Despite not being in uniform, Sotto’s presence is expected to have a steadying effect, particularly on younger frontcourt players like AJ Edu and Carl Tamayo. His experience playing abroad and representing the country on the world stage gives him a unique voice in the locker room.
Strategic Value Despite No Playtime
Gilas is grouped with Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, and Iraq in Group D of the Asia Cup. With Sotto unavailable, the team will lean on its remaining big men and welcome the return of naturalized player Justin Brownlee, who is set to rejoin the team by the end of June. Cone emphasized that having Sotto around helps maintain continuity within the program, building rapport that can carry over to future competitions.
While fans may be disappointed not to see him on the court, Sotto’s continued involvement signals his long-term commitment to the national team—and the team’s belief in his future role.
