LOOK who showed up for Gilas Pilipinas' first day of practice for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers?
No less than Kai Sotto himself.
Gilas coach Tim Cone disclosed the 7-foot-3 center attended the national team's practice Monday at the SMC Sports facility despite the heavy rain.
COLUMN: Tim Cone missing this important family occasion for Gilas duty
'First day of practice was great especially because Kai joined us in practice, and is taking a break from his schedule to play for us in the window," said Cone in a text message to SPIN.ph.
This marks the first time the 24-year-old, soon-to-be father will be suiting up for the national team since the 2024 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.
And Sotto coming on board couldn't have come at a better time as Gilas faces must-win situations in the second round of the World Cup qualifiers when it takes on Jordan in August 28 and Iran on the 30th at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Likewise, the qualifiers serve as June Mar Fajardo's swan song, making Sotto the cornerstone of the national team's frontline roster.
"As we have said, it's a do-or-die situation and we're extremely happy that he (Sotto) responded to the call," said Cone of the former UAAP juniors MVP from Ateneo.
"No doubt, he's a game-changer for us. I already feel like a better coach with him in the fold."
Sotto skipped the third window of the qualifiers held in Auckland, New Zealand and Perth, Australia as his camp is preparing to have him play in an NCAA Division 1 school in the hope of finding a new path to the NBA.
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