loader image

Today's Latest Sports News in the Philippines | MCW Sports

Kai Sotto, Japeth Aguilar to miss Gilas Pilipinas’ home stand

Feb 13, 2023

KAIJU. Kai Sotto has been a key contributor for Gilas Pilipinas.

FIBA

Kai Sotto and Japeth Aguilar will sit out Gilas Pilipinas’ pair of home games against Lebanon and Jordan in the final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas will be without two of its best big men when it tries to defend its home in the sixth and final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Kai Sotto and Japeth Aguilar will sit out the Philippines’ two-game home stand against Lebanon and Jordan on February 24 and 27, respectively, at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

National team head coach Chot Reyes confirmed the development on Monday, February 13.

The news came days after Reyes revealed that Sotto had yet to commit for the FIBA window amid a “very good offer” from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Still chasing his NBA dream, the 7-foot-3 Sotto will suit up for the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B. League after ending a two-season stint with the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League in Australia.

In four Asian Qualifiers appearances, Sotto averaged 13.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks.

Meanwhile, Aguilar continues to nurse a knee injury he suffered while playing for Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

Aguilar missed the Gin Kings’ last two games, with Ginebra head coach Tim Cone – who is also an assistant coach for Gilas Pilipinas – saying that the athletic forward remains “immobilized” and in a cast.

“We do not want to mess with Japeth and his knee. His legs are his calling card,” said Cone on Sunday. “He needs all his athleticism before he can get back into the lineup.”

Like Sotto, Aguilar played four games in the Asian Qualifiers, averaging 7.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.

Without Sotto and Aguilar, Reyes will look to the likes of June Mar Fajardo, Raymond Almazan, Arvin Tolentino, Justin Brownlee, Jamie Malonzo, Carl Tamayo, and Mason Amos to plug the hole inside.

Related Posts

Jamie Malonzo skips PBA Slam Dunk Contest

Jamie Malonzo skips PBA Slam Dunk Contest

HUMAN HIGHLIGHT REEL. Jamie Malonzo is one of the PBA's most electrifying dunkers. PBA Images Despite withdrawing from the Slam Dunk Contest, Ginebra high-flyer Jamie Malonzo will still see action in the PBA All-Star Game in Passi City, Iloilo ILOILO, Philippines –...

Jack Animam looks to boost new French squad 

Jack Animam looks to boost new French squad 

NEW SQUAD. Jack Animam debuts in Division 2 of the French women’s basketball division USO Mondeville Basket Filipina basketball standout Jack Animam hopes to make an impact with USO Mondeville Basket, her new team in the Ligue Feminine 2 de Basketball MANILA,...

Jhanlo Sangiao, Denice Zamboanga to represent PH at ONE Fight Night 9

Jhanlo Sangiao, Denice Zamboanga to represent PH at ONE Fight Night 9

STREAK. Jhanlo Sangiao aims to sustain his winning form. ONE CHAMPIONSHIP Jhanlo Sangiao takes on Argentina’s Matias Farinelli in a three-round bantamweight bout, while Denice Zamboanga faces Brazil’s Julie Mezabarba in a women’s atomweight joust MANILA, Philippines...

MCW Sports Pasig City MPBL partnership
MCW Sports Newsletter subscription
Generated by Feedzy
Subscribe
Subscribe