ORLANDO - Just when we thought that the contract impasse between the Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas (SBP) and Kai Sotto was a thing of the past, well, it really isn't.
In fact, the color chart on this dilemma is blood red right now; and with the 2023 FIBA Word Cup a mere 12 days away, the bells are ringing like a five-alarm fire.
READ: Kai Sotto takes part in Gilas practice
"We are close to finalizing our agreement but we cannot move forward until our doctors receive a copy of Kai's MRI or medicals which allow the medical team to certify that Sotto is 100 percent healthy," SBP director of operations and team manager Butch Antonio told me in a telephone interview.
Although the 7-foot-3 center has always been welcomed to Gilas practices, SBP officials said he hasn't turned in his MRI paperwork as his camp reportedly promised to do so last Thursday.

"We want to showcase Kai to the world. But we also want him to be fit and able to maximize the length and experience that he brings to Gilas Pilipinas," Antonio added.
However, medically clearing Sotto is necessary for the national federation to avoid any legal and medical liability in the event that the former Ateneo high school star, God forbid, sustains a catastrophic injury during the World Cup.
NO MRI OR MEDICAL CLEARANCE, NO PLAY
Without this MRI document or medicals, Kai Sotto cannot be included in the World Cup.
Repeated attempts to reach Sotto's handlers to address the issue were fruitless, although they said in the past that Sotto has been cleared by doctors. The SBP sternly refutes that claim, however.
When Sotto returned to Manila last July 19 following a stint with the Orlando Magic in the NBA Summer League, Gilas coach Chot Reyes wanted to see him in practice with the national team immediately.
But the player's camp insisted that Kai needed at least 12 days to rehab from back spasms he sustained in the Magic's final Summer League game versus the Boston Celtics where Sotto made an early exit.
The SBP acquiesced but it wants to make sure they are taking in a completely healthy player.
"We want to make sure he is good to go. As a federation we are bound to look after the safety and well-being of our players beyond the legal and medical liabilities," Antonio explained.
Per a source, Kai easily tires. ""Mabilis mapagod," heightening SBP's concerns.
RISKY BUSINESS
While Sotto has indeed been present in Gilas' closed-door, 5-on-5 practices since last Thursday at PhilSports Arena, SBP insiders insist he has been limited only to walk-throughs and drills to avoid injury. Ergo, Kai's mere presence alone is not to be construed that he will be penciled in the Final 12 roster.
Engagements with Kai are extremely light-contact and very civil. SBP cannot risk having Kai out there without the appropriate medical clearances when the team partakes in actual competition.
"This is not your ordinary barangay basketball tournament where medical clearances are not taken seriously," a high-ranking SBP official who spoke on the condition of anonymity told SPIN.ph.
So will this thing ever be resolved?
The path is there, if Kai Sotto's handlers are willing to walk hand-in-hand with the SBP.
"They can at least have Kai's doctors talk to our doctor, Randy Molo. We go from there and perhaps arrive at a resolution," Antonio said.
Let's see how this plays out. But with 12 days to go before the World Cup, better keep your fingers crossed.
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