KAI Sotto remains in consideration for the final spot on Gilas Pilipinas’ Asian Games roster, but head coach Tim Cone admitted that the 7-foot-3 center’s inclusion is unlikely.
“The door is open, but unlikely,” Cone told Fastbreak when asked about Sotto’s chances of joining the team for the 2026 Asian Games.
Sotto is being considered alongside naturalized player Justin Brownlee for the 12th and final slot on the Philippine squad.
His availability for the Asian Games, however, remains dependent on his schedule.
Should Sotto be unable to join, Brownlee could still fill the final spot if he is cleared to play after recovering from multiple injuries.
Sotto recently returned to Gilas duty in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, helping the Philippines secure wins over Jordan and Iran.
Gilas currently has 11 PBA players set to travel to South Korea on Wednesday for two tune-up games against the Korean national team in Suwon on Friday and Sunday.
The Philippines is set to defend its men’s basketball gold medal in the Asian Games, with its campaign opening against Bahrain on Sept. 11. Gilas will then face Kazakhstan on Sept. 12 and China on Sept. 14. (Adrian Co)
