Gilas Pilipinas is gearing up for their four-nation pocket tournament in China, but unfortunately, they'll be without center Kai Sotto, who is sidelined due to a lingering back injury.
The 7-foot-3 big man did not travel with the team on Tuesday, as he focuses on therapy to recover in time for the FIBA World Cup starting on August 25.
Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio confirmed the news and stated that Sotto hurt his back while playing for the Orlando Magic during the NBA Summer League's final game against the Boston Celtics.
“We were advised by his management team that Kai will stay and do therapy,” said Antonio.
Meanwhile, PBA Most Valuable Player Scottie Thompson also won't be joining the team in China due to a metacarpal fracture on his shooting hand, which he sustained during the national squad's Europe training camp.
Moreover, Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson will not be with the team during the China tournament but is expected to arrive in Manila on August 8.
“Initially, we thought he was arriving [on] August 6, but now, it turns out he is leaving L.A. [on] August 6, and he should be arriving on August 8,“ Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes told reporters.
“He (Clarkson) won't play in China. He might just go straight in Manila,“ he added.
The team left for China with a 14-man roster, led by PBA six-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo and notable players including Rhenz Abando, Chris Newsome, Japeth Aguilar, AJ Edu, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Jamie Malonzo, Calvin Oftana, Dwight Ramos, CJ Perez, Roger Pogoy, Kiefer Ravena, Thirdy Ravena and Poy Erram.
Gilas Pilipinas is scheduled to play in China International Hoops Festival with their first game against Iran on August 3, 8 PM.
