With the FIBA Asia Cup approaching, Kai Sotto and his team have not yet committed to playing for Gilas Pilipinas. The chances of Kai Sotto wearing a Gilas Pilipinas uniform are diminishing day by day.
The 7-foot-3 big man is unlikely to play in the continental championship, according to program director Chot Reyes. Sotto and his team have not yet made a commitment to the Basketball Asia Cup. The tournament is scheduled to begin on July 12 in Indonesia.
It has been more than a week since Reyes extended the Asia Cup invitation to Sotto. Sotto recently went unselected in the NBA Draft.
Sotto, who was unpicked in the recently finished NBA Draft, was invited by the Reyes for a week but no answer has been given yet by the player or his camp.
Reyes disappointed by the Lack of Interest in FIBA by Sotto
After the Philippines defeated India by 16 points at home in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Sunday, July 3, Reyes spoke in a combination of Filipino and English.
“He has decided to do some other thing and forego the FIBA Asia Cup. We’re still hoping, but to be very honest, it is unlikely.”
Gilas Pilipinas Need Strong Center like Kai Sotto
The Filipinos crushed the Indians, but Geo Chiu is the only real center on the squad, so they desperately need more size and inside presence.
The Tall Blacks feasted on the Filipinos with 52 points in the paint as they destroyed Gilas Pilipinas 106-60 earlier this week, exposing the lack of big men on Gilas Pilipinas.
Sotto’s arrival would have solved that issue because he offers length, shot-blocking, and a significantly improved offensive game.
However, it is still unclear if Sotto will participate in the NBA Summer League. He may rejoin the Australian National Basketball League, or pursue a professional career somewhere else.
“They have not said no but they’re not saying yes. If it is not a yes, we already know what it is,” Reyes said.
Gilas is in Group D of the Asia Cup, which also includes Lebanon, New Zealand, and India.
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