FILIPINO young big man Kai Sotto said he’s excited and very motivated to rejoin and reinforce Gilas Pilipinas as the national team opens the second round of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers window 4 with home games against Jordan and Iran.
Now considered the centerpiece of the national side with naturalized player Justin Brownlee unavailable, the 7-foot-3 Sotto said being an expectant father to his wife, Rere Madrid, gives him that extra motivation to do even better for the Philippines.
“I’m very inspired with our coming baby, so I need to be even more serious (in my approach) to help (Gilas) get these two wins, for my baby and for my wife and for our country,” Sotto said in Filipino to media men during Monday’s press conference held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Sotto said the timing is perfect to make play in the fourth window since he has no contractual obligations after finishing the recent Japan B.League season with the Koshigaya Alphas, where he managed to play in midseason after recovering from a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).
“The timing is great because I’m now healthy. The reason I couldn’t play previously for Gilas was because I was injured, but now, my schedule is free,” he added.
Gilas coach Tim Cone said they have always been in constant communication with Sotto, knowing he’s an integral piece to the Philippine team’s dream of making the FIBA World Cup next year in Doha, Qatar.
