Kai’s status in doubt

It’s not certain if Kai Sotto will suit up for Gilas in the fifth FIBA World Cup Asia qualifying window in Seremban, Malaysia but coach Tim Cone is hopeful the 7-3 center is able to play against Syria on Nov. 27 and Iran on Nov. 29. The Philippines is chasing one of eight slots reserved for Asia and Oceania at the FIBA World Cup in Doha on Aug. 27-Sept. 12. Host Qatar has an automatic ticket so only seven spots are available.

At the moment, Gilas is fifth in the six-team reconstituted Group E with two qualifying windows left. The top three in Groups E and F, plus the best fourth placer in either bracket, will advance to Doha. If the eliminations were to end today, the Philippines would be out of contention after three straight World Cup appearances in Spain in 2014, China in 2019 and Manila in 2023. Gilas’ record is 4-4 in Group E where Australia leads the way at 8-0, followed by New Zealand at 6-2 and Iran and Jordan at 5-3 each. A sweep in the next window would boost Gilas’ record to 6-4. The final window will be held at the SM Seaside Arena in Cebu with the Philippines facing Jordan on Feb. 26 and Syria on March 1. Syria (2-6) wouldn’t be a problem although no team should ever be taken lightly. Gilas defeated Jordan, 82-81 in OT and Iran, 68-56, in the third window so the goal is to repeat in the rematches. Sotto saw action in both wins, compiling 18 points and 14 rebounds against Jordan and 13 points and 16 rebounds against Iran. They’re the only games Sotto has played for Gilas in the World Cup Asia qualifiers.

Sotto, 24, is playing for his fourth B-League squad Altiri Chiba after Hiroshima, Yokohama and Koshigaya. He sat out Altiri’s first two games of the season then played four contests in a row, averaging 12 points, 12 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 27 minutes while shooting 67.7 percent from the field and 46.2 percent from the line. His most recent outing was marked by 18 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in a 99-90 Altiri win over the Kawasaki Brave Thunders last Oct. 3.

Sotto has missed Altiri’s last six contests due to what the team mentioned as “poor physical condition.” He continues to travel with the club and sit on the bench during games. Apparently, Sotto isn’t suffering from any major ailment. A team source said there is no structural injury. When Sotto will be cleared to play is a question mark. Altiri’s next game is against the Akita Northern Happinets tomorrow and fans are awaiting advice if Sotto will play. Altiri is in last place in the B-League Eastern Conference with a 3-9 record. With Sotto, Altiri is 2-2. Without him, it’s 1-7.

Sotto’s agent Tony Ronzone of the Los Angeles marketing and talent management The Team, founded by Casey Wasserman, said nothing is final on the Gilas stint. “We don’t know yet and we’re waiting how his knee is getting better,” he said. “No confirmed details and we’ll have to wait.”

Sotto played a key role in Gilas’ sweep of the fourth window and he’ll be vital in the drive to seal a slot in the coming World Cup. No doubt, Sotto wants to play for Gilas if he’s good to go. But there’s also the factor of Altiri holding him back to avoid the possibility of injury as a precautionary measure. Sotto’s status remains up in the air with no clear indication on his availability.