If his recovery stays on track, Kai Sotto may soon be back in national colors, suiting up once again for Gilas Pilipinas in the coming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
The 7’3” center, who has been sidelined by injuries in recent months, was included in the 16-man pool announced by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
“Continuity is still the main priority of coach Tim Cone, but we saw it fit to add a couple of pieces to the training pool,” said SBP president Al Panlilio. “Obviously, Justin (Brownlee) will still be the top choice in terms of having a naturalized player in the lineup, but we need to take advantage of actually having multiple naturalized players.”
Sotto joins a core group of 12 players, who recently battled in the FIBA Asia Cup, including Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Dwight Ramos, Japeth Aguilar, Kevin Quiambao, Brownlee, Carl Tamayo, and AJ Edu.
Also reinforcing the pool are naturalized center Ange Kouame, guard RJ Abarrientos, and forward Quentin Millora-Brown, who has been reclassified as a local by FIBA and will join his first Gilas training pool.
Though Sotto is still working his way back to full strength, his inclusion underscores the importance of his presence in Gilas’ long-term plans.
The former Adelaide 36ers and Hiroshima Dragonflies big man remains one of the Philippines’ most promising frontcourt anchors, capable of protecting the rim, stretching the floor, and providing size against Asia’s elite competition.
Panlilio also expressed excitement about Millora-Brown’s potential impact after seeing him play for the Macau Black Bears.
“We got a close-up look at what he can do and, talking to coach Tim, he’s certain a guy like QMB can shine in the system that we have,” Panlilio said.
Gilas PH opens its first qualifying window with a home-and-away series against Guam—November 28 in Guam and December 1 in the Philippines.
Group A also includes regional powerhouses Australia and New Zealand, with only the top three advancing to the next stage.
