Romwel Anzures

Gilas Pilipinas star big man Kai Sotto in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. FIBA Basketball.

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ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786977101726IMG_1667.webp" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Gilas Pilipinas star big man Kai Sotto in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. FIBA Basketball.MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas is set to receive a much-needed boost as it continues its campaign in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers later this month.</div>Kai Sotto will make his return to the national team as it takes on Jordan on August 28 and Iran on August 30, Gilas head coach Tim Cone told ABS-CBN News on Monday evening.“We had our first day of practice and it was great, especially because Kai joined us in practice,” Cone said in a message. “He is taking a break from his schedule to play for us in the [FIBA] window.”The 7-foot-3 Sotto last played for Gilas during the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers but missed time as he recovered from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee that he suffered in January 2025.Cone said Sotto’s return is crucial as Gilas considers this window a make-or-break stretch in its campaign.“It’s a do-or-die situation and we’re extremely happy that he responded to the call,” said Cone. “No doubt, he’s a game-changer for us. I already feel like a better coach with him in the fold.”Meanwhile, Justin Brownlee, who missed Gilas’ last game in the previous window as well as the early part of Barangay Ginebra’s campaign in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, is nearing his return.“We are still awaiting Justin’s return from the US, but we expect him shortly,” said Cone. “Otherwise, everyone showed up and we got right to work. We have 10 days to prep. We’re all excited.”

Gilas Pilipinas is set to receive a much-needed boost as it continues its campaign in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers later this month.

Gilas Pilipinas is set to receive a much-needed boost as it continues its campaign in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers later this month.

FIBA: ‘Game-changer’ Kai Sotto set to make Gilas return, says Tim Cone

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FIBA: ‘Game-changer’ Kai Sotto set to make Gilas return, says Tim Cone

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 17, 2026 10:50 PM PHT

Read More:

Basketball

FIBA

2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

Gilas Pilipinas

Tim Cone

FIBA Basketball

Kai Sotto

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