GILAS Pilipinas coach Tim Cone is heartbroken over the news that Kai Sotto has suffered a torn ACL that would likely force him to miss the FIBA Asia Cup in August.
Cone admitted Sotto's likely absence is a big blow to Gilas' chances against the powerhouse teams of Asia in the showpiece set in Saudi Arabia.
READ Kai Sotto keeps hopes up on 'darkest day of my basketball career'
Cone, however, said he remains optimistic about Sotto's career even with the injury.
"I'm heartbroken for him, but Kai is young, still only 22, and has a lot of basketball still ahead of him. We will try to soldier on without him while he rehabs," said Cone in a message shortly after news on Sotto's injury broke.
Cone said Sotto is still very much a part of Gilas and the national team will wait for him to recover.
"Without doubt he is worth the wait, and we will await his return to Gilas with great anticipation," the national coach added.
Cone is also saddened that the team-up between Sotto and AJ Edu wont be happening anytime soon. He said having them together definitely strengthens their chances of beating the traditional contenders of Asia.
Edu has also been bothered by injuries with Gilas, missing the November window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.
"I've said it before, until we get Kai and AJ together, the other countries won't see our best Gilas team. Looking forward to that day," Cone added.
The 7-foot-3 big man suffered the ACL injury in the Japan B.League during Koshigaya Alphas’ loss to Sea Horses Mikawa over the weekend.
Sotto is averaging 15.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks for Gilas Pilipinas during the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, which is coming to an end in the February window.
The FIBA Asia Cup is slated from August 5 to 17 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with Sotto expected to be ruled out for that competition as well.
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