FIBA WC Qualis: Kai Sotto returns to Gilas for must-win Window 4

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Gilas Pilipinas Men’s National Basketball Team player that everyone has been waiting for is finally making a comeback.

After nearly two years of absence, Kai Sotto is now good to go for Gilas and will don the national team’s blue and white threads for the upcoming fourth window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

The development was confirmed on Aug. 17, 2026, by Gilas head coach Tim Cone, who added that Sotto had already joined the team’s first practice session.

Sotto missed a total of 13 FIBA-sanctioned games because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in January 2025 during a Japan B.League game with the Koshigaya Alphas.

In their game against the Mikawa Seahorses, Sotto fell awkwardly and held his left knee when he went for a deuce in the shaded lane.

It was only three minutes into the opening quarter, and Sotto had to be helped to the locker room. He did not return to action and was ruled out for Koshigaya’s remaining games.

The impact of his absence was a tough blow as Gilas went 4-9 without Sotto, including a disappointing four-game losing streak against New Zealand and Australia from February to July 2026.

Now back in optimum condition, Sotto is expected to anchor Gilas in the paint in the crucial upcoming games against Jordan and Iran.

Gilas currently carries a 2-4 win-loss record and will need a decent showing in the next window to boost its chances of earning a return ticket to the FIBA World Cup.

If Gilas manages to secure a top-three finish in Group E, it can earn direct qualification to the main draw, but a tough schedule lies ahead as the team was drawn with Saudi Arabia, Australia, Iran, Jordan, and New Zealand in the bracket.

Before thinking about its qualifying chances, Gilas will have to take care of business on Aug. 28, 2026, against Jordan at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

“No doubt, he’s a game-changer for us,” said Cone.

“I already feel like a better coach with him in the fold. We had our first day of practice, and it was great. We have 10 days to prep. We’re all excited.”