Kai Sotto is set to return to Gilas Pilipinas for the fourth window of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers, head coach Tim Cone confirmed.
Cone said Sotto has started rehearsals with the national team ahead of its upcoming qualifying games against Jordan and Iran.
“You know what time it is!!!” Sotto posted on social media alongside a photo of himself wearing the familiar Gilas Pilipinas blue jersey and hugging a basketball.
The 24-year-old center has been sidelined from the national team for nearly two years after suffering an ACL tear while playing in Japan’s B. League in January 2025.
Although Sotto had already recovered by the third qualifying window in July, he opted to skip the national team stint to focus on his bid to make the NBA.
Sotto last played for Gilas in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in November 2024, where he averaged 15.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.3 blocks in four games.
His return gives the Philippines a significant boost in size and interior presence as Gilas prepares for its next qualifying assignments.
Gilas Pilipinas will face Jordan on Aug. 28 before taking on Iran on Aug. 30.
