Nearly two years after his last appearance for Gilas Pilipinas, Kai Sotto is finally back — and he returns at a crucial juncture for the national team in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
Sotto last played for the Philippines in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, averaging 15.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks across four games as Gilas went undefeated. His final stint included the Philippines’ historic upset of New Zealand, where the 7-foot-3 big man anchored the frontcourt with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Just as Sotto’s role with the national team appeared to be taking shape, however, he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in early 2025. The injury sidelined him for an extended period and kept him away from Gilas duties — until now.
“Nasaktuhan lang din na fully healthy ako. Kaya lang naman ako ‘di nakapaglaro noong previous years kasi na-injure ako, and sakto offseason ngayon and wala akong ginagawa,” Sotto said.
With Justin Brownlee sidelined by an injury of his own, Sotto is expected to become a centerpiece on both ends of the floor. And despite the pressure that comes with his return, he insists he is more than ready to help the Philippines in its bid to advance to the World Cup.
The circumstances surrounding Gilas’ upcoming window make Sotto’s comeback even more significant, as he prepares to don the national team colors for the first time since 2024.
“Kinausap ako ni Coach Tim at ng management. Nalaman ko rin na babalik si CJ [Perez], na last window na ni Kuya June [Mar Fajardo], so nagkatagpo-tagpo na rin. So swerte lang na magkakasama kami ngayon para harapin ang opportunity na ‘to,” he added.
Sotto’s time away from the court, however, was far from uneventful.
Away from basketball, he reached some of the biggest personal milestones of his life. He married Rere Madrid earlier in May, and the couple is now expecting their first child.
That has given his return to the national team an even deeper meaning, with Sotto dedicating this stint to his growing family.
“Siyempre, sobrang inspiring nga na may parating na baby, and siguro mas seryoso pa na gusto kong makuha ‘tong next na dalawang panalo para sa baby ko na parating and para sa asawa ko and para sa bansa. Mas motivated ako na maglaro ngayon at manalo para sa bansa natin.”
Throughout his journey back, Sotto has also repeatedly pointed to one person whose belief in him never wavered: Tim Cone.
“Napagpapasalamat ako kay Coach Tim na malaki ‘yung tiwala niya sa akin and sobrang grateful ako na maging coach ko siya,” Sotto shared.
The connection between the two, however, goes back much further than Sotto’s own Gilas career. He grew up watching his father practice under Cone during the coach’s days with the Alaska Aces, long before Sotto himself would eventually suit up for the national team under the same coach.
Now that Sotto is finally healthy again, Cone has wasted little time making clear how much he expects from his prized big man.
“He’s brought all of his talent, all of his size; we’re trying to build around him. He hasn’t been with us for a couple of years, so guys are still adjusting to his level of play. But we think he’s gonna make everyone around him better,” Cone said.
“We’re just really happy to have him.”
