Kai Sotto, the 7-foot-3 center who is considered to be one of the Philippines’ best basketball prospects, has been cleared to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023 in Manila.
Sotto had been sidelined with a back injury that he suffered during his stint in the NBA Summer League. He was initially ruled out of the World Cup, but he has since made a full recovery and has been practicing with Gilas Pilipinas to get back in playing shape.
“Our doctors spoke to his doctors and he’s been cleared to play. So that’s good news,” Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio said during the special PSA Forum on Tuesday at the Meralco headquarters in Ortigas.
Sotto’s addition to the Gilas Pilipinas roster is a major boost for the team. He is a physical presence in the paint and he has a good shooting touch. He is also a good passer and rebounder.
Gilas Pilipinas is in Group A of the FIBA World Cup, along with Dominican Republic, Italy, and Angola. The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will take place from August 25 to September 10 in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.
Sotto’s participation in the World Cup is a major step in his basketball career. He is hoping to help Gilas Pilipinas make a deep run in the tournament and he is also hoping to attract the attention of NBA scouts.
Sotto’s clearance to play is a major boost for Gilas Pilipinas’ chances of success in the World Cup. He is a talented player who has the potential to make a big impact on the team. With Sotto in the lineup, Gilas Pilipinas will be a more dangerous team.
ON KAI SOTTO: "He's been cleared to play."
Kai's doctors and SBP's doctors have met and have granted him medical clearance.#FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/my5S8UYyUD
— Dyan Castillejo (@DYANCASTILLEJO) August 15, 2023