Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
(C) FIBA.basketball

2023 FIBA World Cup

Kai Sotto to suit up for Gilas vs Ivory Coast


Kai Sotto is expected to join June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, and AJ Edu as the men in the middle when Gilas Pilipinas takes on the Elephants of Ivory Coast, a FIBA World Cup African qualifier, in a closed-door tune-up game on August 18 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

In the final countdown of its bid to secure a spot in the Paris Olympics next year, Gilas Pilipinas also has friendlies scheduled against the world’s No. 18 Montenegro on August 20 and No. 31 Mexico on August 21.

Ivory Coast, also known as Cote d’Ivoire, is rated 42nd in the FIBA rankings, two notches below the Philippines (40th), and is grouped with defending champion Spain, Iran, and Brazil in Group G. This group will play in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Montenegro and Mexico are both in Group D with No. 8 Lithuania and No. 55 Egypt, and they will compete at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City for slots in the second round of the preliminaries.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio confirmed during a special PSA Forum session at the Meralco gym on August 15 that doctors have given Sotto clearance to join the national team in full-contact play.

“I spoke with our doctors yesterday, and he’s been cleared to play. And that’s good news,” said Panlilio.

However, Sotto needed to complete his rehab and was advised by doctors to rest on Thursday. He attended the team practice at the PhilSports Arena and later took part in a spontaneous shooting contest from half-court after the two-hour scrimmage wound down.

#ReadMore  Baltazar fully embraces wing role ahead of Belgrade OQT

Gilas coach Chot Reyes will be using the three tune-up matches to gain a full measure of what kind of team to form before he decides on the Final 12 roster from the current 16-man pool.

“As always, the final decision will be made based on who fits the system, who fits the style of everybody else, and kung sino ang mataas na level ang nilalaro at this point combined, especially in these last three games.”

Reyes said he is looking forward to a full roster heading to the Ivory Coast game.

“This is the first time we’ll play as a complete team with Kai and Jordan [Clarkson],” he said. “Ngayon lang natin makikita ang lahat na magkakasama.”

Playing all 16 players for the tune-up games will be “impossible,” though, according to Reyes.

“We’ll have to choose 12, maybe a different 12 on Friday, a different 12 the next game. But the plan is to use all 16 players,” he said.

In attendance on the eve of the Ivory Coast tune-up, other than Sotto, Clarkson, Fajardo, Aguilar, Edu, and Chris Newsome, were Scottie Thompson, Kiefer and Third Ravena, Jamie Malonzo, CJ Perez, Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, Dwight Ramos, Ray Parks, and Rhenz Abando.

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

As Gilas Pilipinas braces for the grueling journey toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup, the potential return of 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto looms large...

Basketball

Ginebra found its touch from beyond the arc early and shot down Phoenix, 119-112, to post back-to-back for the first time in the PBA...

Basketball

Paul Lee went on a heater run in the fourth quarter to help Magnolia finish strong against Meralco, 117-92, and stretch their unbeaten run...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone knows that tournament draws — like lotteries — are unpredictable and completely out of anyone’s control. And on...

Basketball

To say that Gilas Pilipinas faces a tall order in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers could be more than just an...

Basketball

Roger Pogoy came alive in the fourth quarter as TNT left Meralco a frustrated bunch, 101-84, to continue turning the corner in its PBA...

Basketball

Don Trollano submitted his best showing of the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup to date as San Miguel burst the bubble of Phoenix through a...

Basketball

There was no such thing as homecourt edge as Ginebra handed Converge an 85-66 beating to go above .500 in the PBA Season 49...

Advertisement