ONLY one of three injured players in the current Gilas Pilipinas roster will be able to play in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers in Manila next week.
Team officials bared on Wednesday that 7’3” big man Kai Sotto can play when the national squad clashes with New Zealand on November 21, and Hong Kong on November 24, in games that will be played at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Sotto, who is now in the country, suffered an ankle sprain during the Koshigaya Alphas’ 80-67 victory over fellow Gilas player AJ Edu’s team, the Nagasaki Velca, recently in the Japan B. League.
Team manager Richard del Rosario said they will have to wait until Sotto finished following medical advise.
Sotto is complying with medical advise from B.League doctors, who are observing his situation as he has been placed under concussion protocol.
Del Rosario discussed the health of Gilas Pilipinas during a conference at the Cignal Customer Experience Center at the Launchpad in Mandaluyong City.
Edu’s condition will take two more months, as the 6’10” big man is still recovering from a knee injury suffered late last year, while playing for the Toyama Grouses, also in the Japan B.League.
Jamie Malonzo is still sitting it out as he continues to go through rehabilitation from the calf surgery he sustained during the eliminations of the PBA Philippine Cup, while playing for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Coach Tim Cone said he is keeping the present 15-man lineup for the coming window.
This is to keep the present members of the squad familiar with each other, ensuring continuity in their development.
“We have five days of preparation. It’s always a challenge. We keep talking about the continuity of the program,” said Cone.
He added that the squad has been ready and intact since the first window and in the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments early this year.
