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| Kai Sotto is back with Gilas. Cesca Rampas (file photo) |
MANILA—When asked on Friday night about the status of Kai Sotto's availability for Gilas Pilipinas, coach Tim Cone said that he had "no word" from the seven-foot-three beanpole's camp since he is gearing up for a possible US NCAA stint.
However, on Monday, no less than Sotto himself gave a word to Cone: he wants to play again.
Cone confirmed that Sotto accepted the invite to join the Gilas practice again during a closed-door Day 1 training at the San Miguel Corporation's sports facility in Pasig.
"We had our first day of practice, and it was great especially because Kai joined us in practice and is taking a break from his schedule to play for us in the window," Cone said.
Sotto's return will be a huge boost for Gilas as Quentin Millora-Brown and Mike Phillips, the national team's latest big men recruits, will not play on Aug. 28 and 30 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay for various reasons.
Millora-Brown is recovering from a back surgery, while Phillips will attend the wedding of his brother Ben.
Sotto's presence gives AJ Edu and June Mar Fajardo much needed help at the interior as Gilas hosts Jordan and Iran in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
Both games are now considered must-win if Gilas, currently 2-4 in the Road to Qatar, wants to qualify for next year's FIBA World Cup.
"It's a do-or-die situation and we're extremely happy that he responded to the call. No doubt, he's a game-changer for us. I already feel like a better coach with him in the fold," Cone continued.
Fans criticized Sotto for begging off during the third window when he was seen playing in community leagues in Las Piñas during that time.
This time, Cone essentially said that Sotto is committing to national team duties once again after almost two years.
Meanwhile, Cone said that Justin Brownlee's return from the United States got delayed a bit.
Cone also said on Friday night that he was expecting his resident import to arrive over the weekend in time for the Monday start of practices.
Despite not having him yet, Cone assured that Brownlee will still come this week.
"We are still awaiting Justin's return from the US, but we expect him shortly. Otherwise, everyone showed up and we got right to work," Cone said.
Despite the short window to train, the PBA's winningest head coach said that the mood was positive in Gilas' first day together again.
"We have 10 days to prepare. We're all excited," Cone said in conclusion.
