KAI Sotto won't play for Gilas Pilipinas in the coming FIBA Asia Cup, but will travel with the team to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
National coach Tim Cone said the plan right now is for the 7-foot-3 Sotto to join the team in the August 5-17 showpiece even if he is not ready to play after suffering an ACL injury in January.
“Kai will be with us. He’s going to travel with us. That’s what we’ve worked out so far,” said Cone on Friday night after Barangay Ginebra’s 101-99 escape act against Blackwater in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Philsports Arena.
COLUMN: Kai Sotto won't be rushed back to Gilas Pilipinas duty
"He’s going to the tournament with us, but obviously he won’t play or practice or anything at that point," Cone added. “But at least he’ll be part of the team and that’s really, really crucial.”
Although Sotto could be back playing as early as November or December in time for the opening window of the FIBA World Cup qualifier, Cone said there’s no need to rush him back for the national team.
Just having Sotto around with the team for the Asia Cup was enough for the veteran coach to appreciate his efforts.
“We’re not going to rush or demand that he (Kai) get back, but we’re really pleased that he’s going to come to Jeddah with us. That’s a really nice (gesture). It keeps the chemistry and bond moving forward,” said Cone.
Gilas Pilipinas is bracketed with Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, and Iraq in Group D of the Asia Cup.
The Filipinos will play first the Taiwanese on August 6, followed by the Tall Blacks on the 8th, and finally the Iraqis on the 10th.
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