The Gilas Pilipinas men’s basketball team has received a major boost as 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto returns to national duty for the upcoming window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Speaking during a press conference on Monday at the Mall of Asia Arena, Sotto expressed optimism about embracing the challenge ahead alongside his teammates.
“Swerte lang na magkasama-sama kaming harapin ‘tong opportunity na ‘to,” Sotto said.
The national squad faces a high-stakes campaign, clashing with Jordan on August 28 and Iran on August 30. Sitting in fifth place in Group E with a 2-6 record, the Philippines must deliver strong performances to climb into a top-four spot.
Making matters tougher, naturalized star Justin Brownlee will be sidelined as he rehabilitates a lower leg injury.
Sotto’s return comes at an opportunistic moment. Having fully recovered from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, the big man is ready to plug the void after Gilas managed just four victories in 13 contests during his absence.
“Sakto lang din na fully healthy na ako,” he shared. “Kaya naman din ako hindi nakapaglaro nung previous years dahil na-injure ako. Sakto, offseason ngayon at wala na akong ginagawa. Kinausap din ako nila coach Tim at ng management, kaya nagkatagpo-tagpo na rin.”
The Las Piñas native was sidelined from January 2025 until last month due to injury rehabilitation and personal matters.
Reflecting on his long road back, Sotto credited his family, faith, and teammate AJ Edu—who previously recovered from similar knee setbacks—for keeping him grounded throughout the process.
“Sobrang laking challenge nung na-injure ako, pero sobrang thankful ako kay God na ginabayan niya ako, at sa mga taong tumulong sa anchor,” Sotto said. “Isa na dun si AJ. Isa siya sa mga lagi kong nilalapitan nung na-injure ako dahil napagdaanan niya na rin yun.”
Reuniting their frontcourt partnership from their youth national team days, Sotto and Edu are set to anchor the Philippines’ interior defense once again. Facing formidable opponents, Sotto views the high expectation not as a burden, but as necessary fuel to regain the program’s winning momentum.
“Medyo mabigat yung pressure, pero yun yung pressure na kailangan namin,” Sotto noted. “Basta sama-sama lang kami at magtulungan kami, makukuha namin yung gusto namin.”