Kai Sotto was put under concussion protocol in Japan's B.LEAGUE last November 10, 11 days before the Gilas Pilipinas-New Zealand game in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
Kai Sotto has yet to complete the necessary steps to be cleared to play after being put under concussion protocol by the Japan B.LEAGUE.
Gilas Pilipinas team manager Richard del Rosario bared this to One Sports on Saturday morning, November 16.
“He is still in the process of satisfying all steps of the concussion protocols,” said Del Rosario via text message.
[RELATED STORY: Is there a chance Kai Sotto can play in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers?]
The 7-foot-3 Filipino center was the recipient of an inadvertent hit to the face from a driving Yokohama big Damian Inglis in the third period of Koshigaya Alphas’ 80-72 win over Yokohama last Nov. 9.
He never returned to the court after that. But while he was under concussion protocols, Sotto still flew back to the Philippines in time for Gilas Pilipinas’ Inspire Sports Academy bubble for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers next week.
[ALSO READ: Naturalization process of San Miguel's Bennie Boatwright gets delayed]
Del Rosario, though, is confident the young big will be cleared to play ahead of their Nov. 21 match against New Zealand at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“We are anticipating that he will be cleared soon,” added the concurrent Ginebra deputy coach.
Three days after taking on the Tall Blacks, Gilas will host Hong Kong at the same venue.
Under head coach Tim Cone, the national team currently has a 2-0 win-loss record for a share of the lead in Group C with New Zealand.
[ALSO READ: 5th time's the charm? Revisiting the encounters of Gilas Pilipinas and New Zealand in FIBA]