Gilas Pilipinas will not have their big man for the final tournament they will figure in before the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
Kai Sotto will remain in the Philippines while the national team flies out to China on Tuesday for a pocket tournament.
According to Gilas team manager Butch Antonio, the 7-foot-3 Fillipino has told the team on Monday that he will continue to have therapy on his back while here in the country.
With Sotto out, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, and AJ Edu will be tasked to man the frontline of Gilas as they face the national teams of Iran, Lebanon, and Senegal.
Jordan Clarkson will also join the team on Saturday.
The tournament takes place from August 2 to 6.
The good thing was that Sotto was able to talk to Gilas head coach Chot Reyes earlier in the day during the team’s session at Moro Lorenzo Gym in Quezon City.
Sotto has been a pivotal in Gilas’ campaign in this cycle, playing three games in the Asia Cup Qualifiers, two games in the OQT, and two games during Window 4 of the World Cup Qualifiers.
