Kai Sotto is no stranger to challenges. And he’s not about to shy away from a bigger responsibility with Gilas in the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
With June Mar Fajardo and AJ Edu sitting out the first window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, Kai Sotto carries a heavier burden down low for Gilas Pilipinas.
Fajardo is nursing a calf injury he sustained in Game Four of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Magnolia, while Edu is still recovering from a meniscus injury on his left knee.
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But as he has done all his basketball life, Sotto is not backing down from a challenge of such magnitude.
“Always (ready),” the Filipino wunderkind told reporters during the press conference before the open practice at the Philsports Arena on Monday.
After all, Sotto will get plenty of help when the team takes on Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei on February 22 and 25, respectively.
This after Gilas coach Tim Cone tapped Japeth Aguilar to reinforce the frontcourt that will also feature young gun Carl Tamayo.
“Next man up lang. We’re missing two key players, so we have to step up. Everybody’s ready,” the 7-foot-3 slotman said.
The team leaves for Hong Kong on Tuesday.