In a significant development for Philippine basketball, it has been confirmed that Kai Sotto will not be suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming qualifying window for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. This news comes from a reliable source at Spin.ph, which first reported the story, highlighting a shift in plans for the young Filipino center.
Support Role Instead of Playing
Despite his absence from the court, Sotto is demonstrating his unwavering support for the national team by planning a trip to Manila. He is scheduled to arrive on February 16, 2026, where he will spend three to four days for personal rest and relaxation. After this brief break, he will promptly return to his professional team in Japan, balancing his commitments with his recovery process.
Witnessing Key Matches
During his stay, Sotto will personally attend Gilas Pilipinas' hosting of two formidable opponents: the New Zealand Tall Blacks and the Australia Boomers. The schedule pits Gilas against the Tall Blacks on February 26, followed by a clash with the Boomers on March 1. These matches are crucial for the team's World Cup qualifying campaign, and Sotto's presence is expected to boost morale from the sidelines.
Recovery and Conditioning Focus
Sotto's decision to rest is rooted in his ongoing recovery from an ACL injury that sidelined him for a year. He is currently in the process of regaining his confidence and optimal physical condition. According to sources, this break is a strategic move to ensure he becomes healthier and better prepared for Gilas' campaign in the second qualifying window, emphasizing long-term fitness over immediate play.
Gilas Roster for First Window
Based on the official FIBA webpage, the Gilas Pilipinas lineup for the first window includes a mix of seasoned and emerging talents. The team comprises Chris Newsome, RJ Abarrientos, Scottie Thompson, June Mar Fajardo, CJay Perez, Dwight Ramos, Japeth Aguilar, Kevin Quiambao, Justin Brownlee, Carl Tamayo, AJ Edu, and Quentin Millora-Brown. This roster will carry the nation's hopes in Sotto's absence, aiming to secure vital victories in the qualifiers.
