MANILA – Kai Sotto has been cleared to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio announced on Tuesday that the seven-foot-three beanpole would play for Gilas after Sotto’s camp and the federation’s medical team reached an agreement.

“The doctors of Kai and the SBP doctor, Dr. Randy Molo, spoke yesterday, and he’s been cleared to play. That’s good news,” Panlilio said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Meralco Gym in Pasig.

He then said the doctors decided to meet instead of asking for a magnetic resonance image (MRI) of Sotto’s back injury, which he suffered during the NBA Summer League for the Orlando Magic.

The MRI result was reportedly a prerequisite for the SBP for Sotto to play.

“We didn’t see any MRI results. What we wanted to do to put closure, really move forward, and just focus on the games, is really our doctors met,” Panlilio added

The next step now, he said, is to make Sotto available for Gilas’ upcoming tune-up games against Ivory Coast, Montenegro and Mexico.

Gilas will play Ivory Coast on Friday, Montenegro on Sunday, and Mexico on Monday.

All games will be held behind closed doors at the nearby PhilSports Arena.

Sotto is expected to add ceiling to Gilas ahead of their FIBA World Cup opener against Karl-Anthony Towns and the Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue on Aug. 25.

According to FIBA World Cup local organizing committee officer Erika Dy, about 28,000 tickets have already been sold for the game.

She also said they are on track to eclipsing the single-game record for a FIBA World Cup gate attendance of 32,616 set in the 1994 FIBA World Cup final in Toronto. (PNA)

Kai Sotto (FIBA photo)

According to his own assessment, young Filipino center Kai Sotto is confident that he will be prepared to participate in Gilas Pilipinas’ matches against Montenegro and Mexico, just days prior to the commencement of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. These matches are intended as tune-up games for the national team.

Sotto shared that since his arrival in Manila two weeks ago, he has been diligently undergoing rehabilitation for his back injury, which he sustained during his recent game with the Orlando Magic in the NBA Summer League.

“I believe the rehabilitation process is progressing well. My back has shown significant improvement compared to my time in the U.S.,” Sotto disclosed during an interview with veteran sports analyst Quinito Henson and Dyan Castillejo on the YouTube Sports Channel, Playitright TV.

“I’m following a regimen of 12 rehabilitation sessions, and I’ve already completed six. Gradually, I’m engaging in my rehabilitation exercises and incorporating some weight training,” he added.

Encouraged by the positive strides in his back’s recovery, Sotto expressed his anticipation to return to the court and resume drills within the next few days.

Sotto mentioned that while he would have liked to join Gilas, currently competing in the 2023 Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament in Guangdong, China, he deemed it a pragmatic decision to skip the China pocket tournament. This choice aligns with his focus on ensuring a complete recovery for his back, guaranteeing his readiness for the upcoming World Cup.

“As there is still ample time before the first World Cup game, my priority is to utilize these days effectively to facilitate a thorough healing process for my back. This way, I’ll be in optimal condition when the World Cup arrives,” he elaborated.

In their initial two contests, the Philippines achieved a victory over Iran’s B Team, prevailing 76-65 on August 3, followed by a defeat to Senegal with a score of 72-63 on the evening of August 4. (ai/mnm)

Young Filipino basketball player, Kai Sotto, has caught the attention of PBA legends Sean Chambers and Derrick Hamilton during his recent appearance with the Orlando Magic in the NBA Summer League.

Chambers, renowned for leading Alaska to six PBA championships in the 1990s, admired Sotto’s display of the “true Filipino fighting spirit” when he had the opportunity to face the Portland Trailblazers.

“When I watched Kai’s first game, he seemed a bit hesitant and shy on the court, not immediately imposing his presence. However, after a minute passed, I witnessed the genuine Filipino fighting spirit within him,” expressed Chambers during his appearance on former PBA commissioner Noli Eala’s online sports forum Power and Play.

The 58-year-old Chambers also praised Sotto’s quick instincts, great hands, and athleticism. He commended the young slotman’s instinctive blocked shots and mid-range jumper.

In his Summer League debut, Sotto showcased his potential, recording six points on 3-for-7 shooting, along with four rebounds and three blocks.

Meanwhile, Derrick Hamilton highlighted Sotto’s NBA-ready skill set and mindset. Hamilton, who made an impressive debut for Pepsi in 1990 with 77 points, emphasized the importance of Sotto’s development in areas such as nutrition, diet, strength and conditioning, and footwork. He stressed the need to excel on both ends of the court, not solely focusing on offense.

“With the right group of people and a strong work ethic, the sky’s the limit for that guy,” Hamilton said, expressing his optimism for Sotto’s future prospects.

Kai Sotto’s performance in the NBA Summer League has left a lasting impression on these legendary PBA imports, and many are hopeful for his bright basketball career ahead. (ai/mnm)

Kai Sotto, the promising Filipino basketball player, encountered a setback as he suffered a back injury and failed to score in the final NBA Summer League game.

The Orlando Magic, Sotto’s team, faced a 77-94 defeat against the Boston Celtics at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The game took place on Sunday morning, July 16, according to Manila Time.

During the match, Sotto, who is 21 years old and stands at an impressive 7-foot-3, spent a little over eight minutes on the court in the first half. However, he had to leave the game with five minutes remaining in the second quarter due to his back injury, and he did not make a return.

Throughout his time on the court, Sotto struggled to find his scoring touch, going 0-of-3 from the field. He managed to grab two rebounds and provided one assist but also committed two turnovers. Unfortunately, the game marked the end of the Summer League for the Orlando Magic, finishing with a winless 0-5 record. (ai/mnm)

Kai Sotto FIBA PHOTO

Following the conclusion of Kai Sotto’s NBA Summer League stint with the Orlando Magic, coach Chot Reyes of Gilas Pilipinas expects the towering 7-foot-3 center to join the team’s practice on Tuesday, July 18.

Reyes has been in constant communication with Sotto’s camp, and he confirmed to the Manila Times that the 21-year-old basketball prodigy will be joining the national team after his time in Las Vegas.

Sotto’s arrival comes as a timely boost for Gilas Pilipinas, as they enter the final stages of preparation for the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup, scheduled to take place next month.

In his debut game in the NBA Summer League, Sotto displayed a decent performance after being sidelined for three games. He contributed six points, four rebounds, and three blocked shots in 13 minutes of playing time during Orlando’s 88-71 loss to Portland on Friday.

Sotto aims to wrap up his Summer League stint with another appearance on the court when the Magic face off against the Boston Celtics on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.

However, it is still uncertain whether Sotto will secure a contract with an NBA team at this stage.

The slender center, who previously played two seasons for the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian NBL, represented Gilas during the fourth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, where the Philippines split their two games.

Sotto had the opportunity to team up with NBA star Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz for the first time in that window, back in August 2022, but Gilas fell short with an 85-81 defeat against Lebanon in Beirut.

Three days later, Gilas Pilipinas bounced back with a dominant performance, crushing Saudi Arabia with an 84-46 victory at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Sotto returned for the fifth window in November, helping Gilas secure a 74-66 win against Jordan, followed by a 76-63 triumph over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah.

During the two FIBA windows he played, the former Ateneo Blue Eaglet averaged 13.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks.

Gilas is scheduled to travel to China for a mini-pocket tournament from August 2-5, as the team finalizes its preparations for the World Cup.

(AI/MNM)

MANILA – Kai Sotto finally saw action in Orlando Magic’s fourth outing in the NBA Summer League at Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on Friday (Philippine time).

However, the Magic remained winless, bowing to the Portland Trail Blazers, 71-88.

The Blazers rose to 3-1.

The seven-foot-three Sotto logged 13 and a half minutes of play off the bench against Portland, starting in the second quarter.

Despite the slow start, Sotto showed that he could compete on a higher level, especially on the defensive end as he swatted three attempts, including one against Shaedon Sharpe, a year younger than him at 20 years.

Sotto finished with six points, four rebounds, and one assist.

Orlando scored just seven points in the second quarter and trailed 45-19 at the half.

Michael Devoe led Portland, which decided to give No. 3 pick Scoot Henderson a rest, with 18 points, six rebounds, one assist, and two steals.

Sharpe and Jabari Walker each added 12 points, with Walker also finishing with 10 rebounds.

Dexter Dennis led Orlando with 16 points, one rebound, one assist, two steals, and one block.

The Magic next play the Boston Celtics on Sunday. (PNA)

Kai Sotto, the promising Filipino NBA player, has finally made his long-awaited debut in the NBA Summer League. The debut took place in a game between Orlando and Portland at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Friday, July 14.

Despite being on the bench for the Magic’s initial three games in the tournament, Sotto seized his opportunity when given playing time against Portland. In his 13 minutes on the court, he showcased his skills by contributing six points, four rebounds, three blocks, and one assist.

However, it is worth noting that the Orlando Magic has yet to secure a victory in the Summer League, including the game in which Sotto made his debut. (ai/mnm)

In a recurring pattern, Kai Sotto, the promising Filipino basketball prospect, found himself on the bench once again as his team, the Orlando Magic, suffered an 80-82 overtime loss to the New York Knicks in the NBA Summer League.

The game took place at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday, July 13 (Manila time).

Looking ahead, Sotto and the Magic are set to play against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, July 14. The 7-foot-3 center eagerly anticipates his long-awaited debut in the preseason league.

Unfortunately, the Magic have yet to secure a victory in the Summer League, having previously lost to the Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers.

(Sourced online/AI/MNM)

Sotto once again remained on the bench as Orlando suffered a loss against Indiana.

In the NBA Summer League held at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, Filipino NBA hopeful Kai Sotto recorded another DNP (did not play) in the game as the Orlando Magic fell to the Indiana Pacers with a score of 86-106.

This occurred on Tuesday, July 11 (Manila time).

It’s worth noting that the 7-foot-3 21-year-old was also absent from Orlando’s opening game against Detroit last Sunday.

However, Sotto’s patience may soon be rewarded, as he is expected to make his first appearance in the preseason league against the New York Knicks on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

(Source: Online/ai/mnm)

MANILA – Orlando Magic did not field Kai Sotto in what could have been his debut NBA Summer League game, which ended in a 78-89 loss to the Detroit Pistons at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday (Philippine time).

Despite being one of only two players listed as center in the lineup, the 7-foot-3 Sotto rode the bench as coach Dylan Murphy thought to go small and started power forward DJ Wilson at five, instead of Sotto and Robert Baker Jr.

The 6-foot-11 Baker eventually logged almost 15 minutes of playing time and finished with eight points, two rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal.

Wilson struggled with four points — all on free throws – along with three rebounds, two assists, one block, and two steals.

The Pistons held the Magic to just 13 points in the third quarter and held them at bay in the fourth.

Jalen Duren led Detroit with 17 points, eight rebounds, and one assist, while James Wiseman added 16 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, and two blocks.

Kevon Harris led Orlando with 21 points, six rebounds, one assist, and two steals.

Aside from Sotto, five others did not see action for the Magic – Tyger Campbell, Dexter Dennis, Amauri Hardy, Drake Jeffries, and Au’Diese Toney.

The Magic will next face the Indiana Pacers at the same venue on Tuesday morning (PH time). (PNA)