By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Gilas Pilipinas Men’s National Basketball Team is currently looking for new options in their frontcourt pool after young star center Kai Sotto went down with a knee injury.
During his Japan B. League game with the Koshigaya Alphas against the Mikawa Seahorses, Sotto fell awkwardly and held his left knee when he went for a deuce in the shaded lane.
It is only three minutes into the opening quarter, and Sotto had to be helped go to their locker room. He would unfortunately not return to action and is listed out in the next remaining games of Koshigaya.
Sotto’s injury then became a tough blow for Gilas as they are set to return to the FIBA stage this February, for the next window of the Asia Cup.
If his injury is determined major, Gilas head coach Tim Cone will have to replace him in the official lineup with only a month remaining to prepare against Taiwan and New Zealand.
Gilas will be going up against Taiwan on February 20, 2025, followed by a highly-anticipated rematch against New Zealand on February 23, 2025.
Cone and his coaching staff currently have the rotation of June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao, and Mason Amos available in their pool.
However, it is yet to be determined if both Tamayo and Quiambao will be available next month due to their commitment to their respective clubs in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).
If it’s official that Sotto can’t make the cut, the other guys have to step up and try to level his stellar performance in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup.
During that sweeping campaign, Sotto helped Gilas make history after taking down New Zealand for the first time in any FIBA-sanctioned event, followed by a demolition exhibition against Hong Kong.
Sotto flourished in their win over New Zealand and put up an all-around efficient outing of 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks, and two steals.
The uprising center wasn’t done impressing in the international limelight and manhandled Hong Kong with a dominant double-double stat-line of 12 markers, 15 boards, and two dimes.
Sotto’s impact was felt during that run, and several analysts declared him as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for Gilas in the FIBA Asia Cup second window.
Who will replace Sotto in the rotation?
