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2026-08-31 18:58 UTC → 2026-09-07 03:12 UTC ·
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Kai Sotto has returned to the Gilas Pilipinas national basketball team for the revitalized its FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers following a two-year absence due to a torn ACL. After a four-game losing streak, the Philippines revitalized its qualification aspirations by sweeping the fourth window of the 2027 Asian Qualifiers under at the Mall of Asia Arena. Under head coach Tim Cone. The Cone, the team secured an 82-81 overtime victory against Jordan, followed by Jordan and a 68-56 win over Iran. This successful run follows Iran, overcoming a period where previous four-game losing streak. These victories were achieved despite the team held a 2–6 record in Group E. absence of naturalized player Justin Brownlee, who has been sidelined with hamstring and knee issues. Kai Sotto Sotto, returning from a two-year absence, played a pivotal role throughout this window, by averaging a double-double with of 15.5 points and 15 rebounds per game. Other key contributors included Dwight Ramos, CJ Perez, and Juan Gomez de Liaño. This period window also marked the final national team appearance for June Mar Fajardo. Despite Prior to the momentum qualifying window, the team lost two exhibition games against South Korea, including a 69-42 defeat in Suwon. Coach Tim Cone described that series as a “dress rehearsal” for upcoming competitions like the qualifiers, Asian Games. Sotto’s participation in the upcoming Asian Games remains uncertain. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy stated that because the roster shortlist has already been submitted, Sotto can only be added through a late replacement request. Such a change requires approval from the Olympic Council of Asia and must be supported by valid medical documentation.