Kai Sotto absent, but RR Pogoy active again in Gilas practice

No Kai Sotto for Gilas on a Tuesday night! From the Orlando Magic's Facebook page

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG—Somehow expected following his back injury, Kai Sotto was not around on Tuesday night when Gilas Pilipinas resumed its practice at the Meralco Gym.

Initially anticipated to show up fresh from his NBA Summer League stint for the Orlando Magic, the seven-foot-three center was absent during the training session which lasted for a little over an hour.

Concerns rose on Sotto's fate at least for Gilas' upcoming tuneup series in China after injuring his back in the second quarter of Orlando's game against Boston at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.

However, Gilas coach Chot Reyes allayed fears of a more dreaded injury as Sotto's agent, Tony Ronzone, said that the x-ray results turned out negative.

Thirteen players were present at Gilas practice, namely AJ Edu, Justin Brownlee, Ange Kouame, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Thirdy and Kiefer Ravena, CJ Perez, Rhenz Abando, Calvin Oftana, Dwight Ramos, RR Pogoy, and Scottie Thompson.

Thompson was once again relegated to an observer's role as he recovers from his hand injury.

However, Pogoy, who is also nursing a hand injury of his own, became more active in practice, a timely boost for Gilas especially with Jordan Heading already begging off.

Former Gilas big man Beau Belga paid a visit as well in practice.

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