Kai Sotto inspired in Gilas Pilipinas return with baby on the way
MANILA, Philippines – Kai Sotto has gained added motivation in representing Gilas Pilipinas as he enters fatherhood.
Sotto returns to national team duties for the first time in two years, bolstering the Philippines’ two-game homestand in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers against Jordan and Iran on August 28 and 30, respectively, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
A lot has changed since the 24-year-old star donned the national colors, with Sotto now married to actress Rere Madrid and expecting their first child.
“Of course, it’s inspiring that a baby is on the way. I guess I’m more serious now. I want to get these two wins for my baby, for my wife, and for the country,” said Sotto in a mix of Filipino and English on Monday, August 24.
“I’m more motivated to play now and, of course, to win for our country.”
Sotto’s comeback comes at a crucial time as the Nationals eye an ideal six-game sweep of the second round to make up for their 2-4 record in the first round and hopefully qualify for the World Cup for the fourth straight edition.
After Sotto suffered a knee injury in January 2025, the Philippines lost nine of its last 13 games in FIBA play, beating only Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Guam — teams outside the world top 60.
Before his injury, Sotto averaged 15.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.3 blocks in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in 2024, helping the Filipinos go unbeaten in four games, including a breakthrough win over New Zealand.
“He’s really been impactful. We’re kind of building around him. He’s relatively — I don’t want to say — new to the team, [but] he hasn’t been with us for a couple of years so guys are still adjusting to his level of play,” said Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone.
“And we hope that that just continues over the next few days, but we think he’s going to cause problems for both teams and he’s going to make around him better. He’s just a great addition and we’re just really happy to have him.”
Sotto acknowledges the tough task ahead, with the team set to play without naturalized ace Justin Brownlee, who has yet to fully recover from his injuries, but the 7-foot-3 big man embraces the challenge.
“The pressure is quite high, but it’s the kind of pressure that we need. As long as we stick together and help each other, we can achieve what we want,” Sotto said.
Joining Sotto in the pool are Dwight Ramos, June Mar Fajardo, AJ Edu, Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Scottie Thompson, Chris Newsome, CJ Perez, RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario, Justine Baltazar, and Justin Arana. – Rappler.com
