GILAS Pilipinas will not have big men Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown in the final window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian qualifiers this July when the national squad plays two away games against New Zealand and Australia.
Philippine coach Tim Cone said that the 6-foot-10 Millora-Brown is still recovering from a recent back surgery, and the 7-foot-3 Sotto will be seeing action in the NBA Summer League.
“Q is recuperating from back surgery, and Kai is committed to playing in the NBA Summer League, which coincides with the Window,” Cone told The Manila Times.
Millora-Brown is coming off a recent stint with the China Jets in the Japan B-League, while Sotto averaged 13.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 28 games for the Koshigaya Alphas since recovering from a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury.
The absence of the two tall players will leave a gaping hole in the middle for the Philippine team when it battles the taller lineup of Australia and New Zealand.
Fortunately, Cone said veteran slot man June Mar Fajardo, who earlier begged off from playing in the July window, reconsidered his decision after being informed of QMB and Sotto’s absence.
“After initially asking to rest from the window, June Mar has agreed to join us after hearing about Q and Kai,” added Cone.
The Philippines suffered a 37-point embarrassment at the hands of Australia at the Mall of Asia Arena in their March window.
Gilas Pilipinas also lost a narrow 66-69 decision to New Zealand days before the match against Australia.
The Philippines is currently tied with New Zealand for a share of second and third spots in Group A with identical 2-2 cards, behind Australia’s unbeaten 4-0 slate.
Guam’s 0-4 card gave the Philippines safe passage to the second round as only the top three teams in each group will advance.
Gilas Pilipinas will be going up against New Zealand on July 3 in Auckland, before tangling anew with Australia in Perth on July 6.
