MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas big man AJ Edu is excited with the prospect of seeing Kai Sotto back for the national team in the future windows.
While there’s no definite timeline yet on the 7-foot-3 slotman’s return to the Philippine team, the Filipino-Cypriot believes the future is bright for Gilas.
“Definitely, we look forward to Kai coming back, not only for my self, but the whole team and the whole Philippines misses seeing him on the court,” Edu told media men, at the close of Gilas’ window 2 FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers match against Australia.
“It’s been a long time. I’m excited to play with him.” Edu last played alongside Sotto during the Philippines’ co-hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila.
Both young big men formed a solid front court for Gilas Pilipinas youth team during the 2018 FIBA Under-18 Asian Championship, where the Philippines placed fourth to earn a spot in the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Championship.
Sotto, who just recently came back into action after recovering from a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), focused on strengthening his knees while reintegrating himself back into his Japan B.League team Koshigaya Alphas.
“The future is bright for sure, especially in terms of bigs. I know that’s been an issue in the past. And kind of blessed to have us all the same time,” he said. “Excited because we saw what Q (Quentin Millora-Brown) did in this window, and having Kai back too, with June Mar who still got it as well, very excited for the future,” he added.
Gilas went winless in window 2 following back-to-back losses to New Zealand and Australia at home.
The Philippines will swing back to action in a pair of away games in window 3 versus New Zealand and Australia this July.