Kai Sotto not joining Gilas Pilipinas in China pocket tournament

Gilas Pilipinas will continue to miss Kai Sotto as it competes in a pocket tournament in China from August 2 to 6.

The 7-foot-3 big man will miss the national team’s flight on Tuesday, August 1, due to a chronic back injury that has hindered him from joining the preparations for the FIBA World Cup which begins on August 25.

“We were advised by his management team that he will stay and do therapy,” said Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio on Monday, July 31.

Sotto injured his back while playing for Orlando in the Magic’s match against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Summer League.

Sotto arrived in the country on July 19 and did not attend Gilas practice until Monday.

Naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame will also miss the trip to China, leaving the national team shorthanded when it faces Lebanon, Iran, and Senegal.

Brownlee is out with bone spurs but will be available for Gilas in the Asian Games while Kouame will reinforce Rain or Shine in the Jones Cup.

Jordan Clarkson, meanwhile, is scheduled to join the national team on August 6.

After finishing last in the previous World Cup, Gilas seeks to improve in the upcoming edition as it takes on groupmates Italy, Dominican Republic, and Angola in the first round.