HOLE IN THE MIDDLE

Coach Tim Cone has been consistent in saying that having Kai Sotto—whenever he’s healthy and Gilas Pilipinas-available—is a luxury.

But Sotto’s uncertainty for two big home matches against New Zealand and Australia in the Fiba World Cup Qualifiers may put the National side in a truly testy situation ahead of its buildup.

“Too early to tell at this point,” Cone told the Inquirer when asked if Sotto’s potential absence for the second window later this month could have a huge effect on the national team’s preparation.

Cone reacted after reports came out that Sotto may skip the upcoming qualification window, given that he had just come back from an ACL injury and had a brief scare in his first game when he sprained his ankle.

Initially, this window would serve as a welcome back to the national team party for Sotto, who was sorely missed in 2025 after getting hurt while playing for the Koshigaya Alphas in Japan’s B.League.

But the likelihood of him missing out on another tour of duty for Gilas has prompted Cone to prepare for any eventualities, vowing that the mindset to win will not change against the two powerhouse Oceania nations before a home crowd at Mall of Asia Arena.

Kiwis first

“We are so much better if he is healthy and can join us,” said Cone. “But we are ready to play and win without him, if necessary.”

Gilas will first play New Zealand on Feb. 26 before taking on Australia on March 1 as the Philippines aims to build on its two blowout wins over Guam in the first window.

Both countries beat Gilas during last year’s Fiba Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with New Zealand prevailing in their group stage affair.

Australia, meanwhile, ripped Gilas apart in the quarterfinals.

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Meanwhile, Cone also said that he is in no rush to have Sotto, who last played in 2024 during the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers, back in the fold.

“Hopefully, getting Kai back and reintegrating him back into the lineup will be our most pressing goal,” Cone said, as quoted in a news article posted on the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas website.

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