No Kai Sotto for FIBA Asia Cup, says Tim Cone



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No Kai Sotto for FIBA Asia Cup, says Tim Cone

MANILA, Philippines – There are no expectations for Kai Sotto to play in the FIBA Asia Cup as Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone ruled out the star big man after he suffered a knee injury.

Cone said Sotto has yet to undergo surgery for the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) he suffered in a Japan B. League game this January, with his recovery coinciding with the Asia Cup that will be staged in Saudi Arabia in August.

“I think what I heard last is that the surgery is going to be around the 1st of February. Sometime this week, he might have the surgery,” said Cone on Wednesday, January 29.

“From there, we count the months — minimum nine, probably 12. A guy that’s 7-foot-2 usually takes longer, so we’re thinking maybe a year. He’ll be out for maybe a year.”

The injury came at the worst time as Sotto had been playing his best basketball for both the Koshigaya Alphas in the B. League and the national team.

In the B. League, Sotto ranked in the top 10 in rebounds with 9.6 boards and in blocks with 1.1 swats on top of 13.8 points and 2.0 assists.

He posted more impressive numbers for the Nationals, churning out 15.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.3 blocks through four games in the Asia Cup Qualifiers.

“What hurts most is the fact that it’s held back his NBA dream. It looked like he was getting some real solid feelers from the NBA right up until he got injured. It’s too bad. I feel really bad about that,” said Cone.

As much as it’s crushing to see a talent like Sotto go down with an injury, Cone chose to find the silver lining.

“He’s young, 22. If you’re going to have it, now’s the time. At that age, he can easily recover from that,” said Cone. “The medical profession is really amazing these days in what they can do.”

Cone and the national team will go on a training camp in Doha, Qatar, starting on February 13 as they gear up for their final Asia Cup Qualifiers matches against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand on February 20 and 23, respectively.

Already qualified for the Asia Cup, the Philippines hopes to complete a sweep of its group. – Rappler.com

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