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Tag: Kai Sotto

  • Kai Sotto, Quentin Millora-Brown will not suit up for Gilas in FIBA Qualifiers says Tim Cone 

    Kai Sotto, Quentin Millora-Brown will not suit up for Gilas in FIBA Qualifiers says Tim Cone 

    The challenge facing Gilas Pilipinas in the next FIBA World Cup qualifying window may not be about who will play—it may be about who won’t.

     

    As the national team prepares for a daunting road trip against regional heavyweights Australia and New Zealand, Gilas is set to navigate the window without two of its most important frontcourt pieces, creating a significant void in the middle just weeks before competition resumes.

     

    National team head coach Tim Cone confirmed that both Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown will be unavailable for the upcoming assignment, stripping the Philippines of two players who were expected to anchor the team’s interior presence.

     

    “QMB is out after back surgery in Japan. And so is Kai, officially. We’re told Kai is attending the NBA Summer League, which we are happy about. We’re supporting his road to the NBA,” Gilas head coach Tim Cone told me in a Tuesday night interview.

     

    The timing leaves Gilas searching for answers at a position that has long been one of its greatest strengths. Sotto’s size, rim protection, and international experience have made him a cornerstone of the program, while Millora-Brown quickly emerged as a reliable contributor after joining the national team setup.

     

    With both unavailable, attention naturally shifts to the veterans expected to shoulder a heavier burden.

     

    One of them is June Mar Fajardo, who had initially hoped to take a step back from national team duties as he explored the possibility of undergoing surgery.

     

    Instead, circumstances have once again called on the longtime Gilas pillar.

     

    According to Cone, the nine-time PBA MVP agreed to postpone those plans and make himself available for the national team after learning of the growing personnel concerns in the frontcourt.

     

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    His decision gives Gilas a much-needed stabilizing force as it prepares for arguably its toughest assignments of the qualifying campaign.

     

    The uncertainty does not end there.

     

    TNT star Calvin Oftana also revealed on Tuesday that he is scheduled to undergo surgery on an infected toe immediately after the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Barangay Ginebra, creating another situation the coaching staff will need to monitor closely in the coming weeks.

     

    Despite the mounting injury concerns, Cone remains focused on assembling the roster that will represent the country in the next window.

     

    While declining to discuss specific replacements or potential additions, the veteran coach indicated that the official lineup will be finalized soon.

     

    “We will be announcing the 12 players for the next window in a few days.”

     

    For Gilas, the upcoming qualifiers were already expected to be a difficult test against two of the strongest programs in Oceania. Now, with key pieces sidelined and roster adjustments becoming unavoidable, the challenge has become even greater.

     

    The next few days may determine not only who fills those vacant roster spots, but also how the Philippines plans to compete without two of the biggest names in its frontcourt rotation.

     

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  • Kai Sotto, Rere Madrid tie the knot in an intimate garden wedding 

    Kai Sotto, Rere Madrid tie the knot in an intimate garden wedding 

    Filipino basketball standout Kai Sotto and actress Rere Madrid officially became husband and wife in an intimate garden wedding in Alfonso, Cavite.


    The couple chose a private setting away from the spotlight, surrounded only by family and close friends, before later sharing the milestone with the public through their respective social media accounts on Wednesday evening.

     

    “Still feels unreal that we finally get to call this day our,” Madrid wrote on her social media post.

     

    Sotto, currently a free agent, has just completed his second season in Japan’s B.League with Koshigaya, posting solid averages of 13.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.0 block over 28 games. His consistent performances abroad further solidify his standing as one of the Philippines’ top young big men on the international scene.

     

    At 24 years old, Sotto remains a key figure for Gilas Pilipinas, with his size and skill set often serving as a matchup problem for opposing teams in international competitions. 

     

    His development in Japan has been closely followed by fans eager to see him take the next step in his professional career, whether in Asia or potentially beyond.

     

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    The wedding date also carried a personal touch, coming exactly two years after the couple began their relationship on May 18, 2024—a symbolic celebration of how far they’ve come together in such a short span of time.

     

    The intimate ceremony was attended by close loved ones, including Madrid’s brother, actor Ruru Madrid, and his girlfriend Bianca Umali. 

     

    The celebration was made even more memorable with a surprise performance from Parokya ni Edgar during the reception, adding a festive touch to the otherwise private affair.

     

    Messages of congratulations quickly poured in from Sotto’s Gilas Pilipinas teammates and fellow athletes, reflecting the wide support for the young couple as they step into married life.

     

    For Sotto, the milestone marks a personal chapter off the court that arrives amid a career still in motion. As he continues to explore opportunities as a free agent, the added stability in his personal life comes at a time when his professional journey remains open-ended and full of possibilities.

     

    Now balancing marriage and a developing international career, Sotto enters a new phase defined not only by basketball ambitions, but also by life beyond the game.

     

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  • Kai Sotto, Kiefer Ravena, and Ray Parks close B.League chapters as new journeys await 

    Kai Sotto, Kiefer Ravena, and Ray Parks close B.League chapters as new journeys await 

    A major changing of the guard is unfolding in Japan for three of Philippine basketball’s biggest overseas names.

     

    After the close of the 2025-26 B.League season, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Kiefer Ravena, and Kai Sotto have all officially parted ways with their respective clubs, bringing simultaneous endings to three high-profile Filipino stints in Japanese basketball.

     

    For years, the trio represented part of the growing Filipino wave in the B.League — recognizable names carrying both pedigree and pressure while carving out careers abroad. Now, all three head into uncertain but intriguing new chapters.

     

    Among the three teams, Yokohama B-Corsairs posted the strongest finish with a 26-34 record, placing 15th overall. Ravena remained one of the team’s stabilizing pieces throughout the campaign, averaging 11.9 points and 3.2 assists in what ultimately became his final season with the club.

     

    “Thank you very much, Yokohama, for being my home for the past two years. It was amazing playing in front of the B-COR Boosters, and I’m looking forward to seeing you guys again soon!” shared Ravena.

     

    Meanwhile, Osaka Evessa closed its season at 23-37 despite another productive campaign from Parks, who averaged 12.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.

     

    “Thank you, Osaka, for embracing me from day one. The love and support from this city, the fans, and the community meant everything to me. I’m grateful to have worn this jersey and to have been accepted as one of your own. Osaka will always have a special place in my heart,” expressed Parks.

     

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    Despite their exits, both Ravena and Parks are widely expected to remain in Japan, with reports indicating new B.League destinations may already be lined up pending official announcements.

    The situation surrounding Sotto, however, carries a different level of intrigue.

     

    Koshigaya Alphas endured a difficult season and finished 19th with a 21-39 record, but Sotto still managed to leave a strong impression after returning from injury in January.

     

    The 7-foot-2 center averaged 13.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists across 28 games, showing flashes of the versatility and mobility that continue to attract international interest.

     

    “I’m really thankful to the Alphas community for the two years I’ve spent here. Uehara-san and Ryuzo-san, thank you for giving me the chance to showcase what I can do, as well as another opportunity after I suffered a midseason ACL injury and for offering me the chance to come back for another year. Koshigaya will always have a special place in my heart. Right now, the future is still uncertain, but the Alphas family will forever be remembered by me,” shared Sotto.

     

    Unlike Ravena and Parks, whose next stops may still remain inside the B.League, Sotto’s path could potentially stretch beyond Japan.

     

    The Filipino big man is expected to pursue an opportunity in the NBA Summer League this July, with several offers reportedly already on the table as he weighs the next move of his still-evolving career.

     

    For now, though, one thing is clear: three familiar Filipino faces who helped strengthen the country’s presence in Japan are officially turning the page together.

     

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  • Kiefer Ravena’s nine threes lead Yokohama past Kai Sotto’s monster double-double, Koshigaya in double OT win

    Kiefer Ravena’s nine threes lead Yokohama past Kai Sotto’s monster double-double, Koshigaya in double OT win

    In a weekend showdown that highlighted the growing influence of Filipino stars in Japan’s B.LEAGUE, Kiefer Ravena delivered a career-defining performance to propel the Yokohama B-Corsairs past Kai Sotto and the Koshigaya Alphas, 96-93, in a double-overtime thriller on Sunday, March 29. 

     

    The victory completed a weekend sweep for Yokohama, following a narrow 78-70 win over the same opponent on Saturday.

     

    Ravena was simply unstoppable, erupting for 32 points while draining nine three-pointers—both career highs in Japan.

     

    His nine triples placed him among an elite group of players, becoming only the 12th in B.LEAGUE history to reach that mark in a single game. The B1 record of 11 three-pointers, shared by former MVPs Yuki Togashi and Kosuke Kanamaru, is now tantalizingly close for the explosive guard.

     

    Ravena’s sharpshooting kept Yokohama in control in clutch moments, including both overtime periods, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest.

     

    For the Alphas, the spotlight belonged to Kai Sotto, who showcased his dominant presence inside the paint. Sotto recorded a career-high 19 rebounds, eclipsing his previous best of 18 boards set in December 2024 during a victory against the Kawasaki Brave Thunders. 

     

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    He also added 21 points and four assists, displaying a well-rounded game that combined scoring and playmaking with his trademark rebounding prowess. Despite his monumental effort, Koshigaya was unable to overcome Ravena’s offensive onslaught and fell to 16-30, marking their fourth consecutive loss.

     

    The game itself was a rollercoaster of tension and momentum swings. Yokohama seemed in control early, but the Alphas repeatedly clawed back, forcing both teams into overtime. 

     

    Ravena’s clutch triples and calm decision-making in the final minutes proved decisive, while Sotto’s determination on the boards kept Koshigaya alive in the contest until the final buzzer. 

     

    The double-overtime showdown was a testament to the resilience and competitive fire of both Filipino stars.

     

    With the win, Yokohama now boasts four victories in their last five games, improving to 19-27 for the season. Their confidence will be put to the test next against defending champion Utsunomiya Brex (34-12), a matchup that could shape their playoff aspirations. 

     

    Meanwhile, Koshigaya seeks to halt their skid in their upcoming game against Kawasaki Brave Thunders (12-34).

     

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  • Kai Sotto to continue NBA dream amid Gilas Pilipinas duties 

    Kai Sotto to continue NBA dream amid Gilas Pilipinas duties 

    “It was never about money with Kai.”

     

    That firm declaration from Ricky Vargas cuts straight to the heart of the conversation surrounding Kai Sotto — a towering talent standing at a pivotal fork in his young career.

     

    At just 23 years old, Sotto has already logged 50 appearances for the Philippine national team, including 20 games at the senior level. For a player still carving out his professional path overseas, that résumé speaks volumes about commitment. Every tournament, every window, every call-up — he has answered. But timing, as always, complicates loyalty.

     

    Now suiting up for Koshigaya Alphas in Japan’s B.League, Sotto has been productive, averaging 11.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across eight games this season. Still, his comeback from the ACL injury he suffered a year ago remains a careful process, a recovery that forced him to miss Window 2 of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers — not because he chose club over country, but because his body simply wasn’t ready.

     

    Window 3, however, presents a different kind of dilemma, where the obstacle is no longer health but opportunity.

     

    Despite going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, Sotto has not abandoned his NBA aspirations, and two possible routes now sit in front of him. One is immediate and high-risk: auditioning in the NBA Summer League beginning July 6 — a schedule that overlaps with the July 3 and 6 FIBA window. 

     

    The other is longer but potentially steadier: enrolling in an NCAA Division I program, taking advantage of evolving amateurism rules that now allow players to compete in college as long as they have not signed an NBA contract.

     

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    The landscape has shifted in recent years, with former G League and European pros returning to the NCAA ranks, proving that the collegiate path is no longer reserved strictly for teenagers fresh out of high school. It has become a viable reset button — and perhaps even a launchpad.

     

    Sotto, of course, has never followed a conventional script. In 2020, he bypassed college entirely to join G League Ignite. From there, he took his game global — stints in Australia’s NBL with Adelaide, in Japan with Hiroshima and Yokohama, and now with Koshigaya. He even suited up for Orlando’s Summer League squad in 2023, each stop another attempt to inch closer to the NBA door.

     

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas understands what’s at stake. If Sotto chooses the NCAA route after the B.League season, Gilas Pilipinas could be without him from November through March, an absence that would sting for a national program still building continuity toward major international competitions.

     

    Yet Vargas remains measured — and supportive.

     

    “Depende sa outcome sa pagsali niya sa eskwelahan. His plans are still towards going to the NBA. Pero kailangan natin siya. It’s hard to fault him because it’s not about the money; he wants to play (in the NBA),” said Vargas.

     

    “Playing for the country and sacrificing your dreams is notable. Going for your dream and representing the country is also notable. Both are correct.”

     

    In the end, Sotto’s situation is not a question of loyalty but a test of balance — between ambition and responsibility, between present duty and future promise. For a 7-foot-3 center who has already carried both expectation and flag, the next move may define not just his career, but how Philippine basketball navigates the intersection of global dreams and national pride.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee backs Kai Sotto’s NBA dream amid Gilas duties

    Justin Brownlee backs Kai Sotto’s NBA dream amid Gilas duties

    The balancing act between chasing a global dream and serving the national cause is once again in focus for Gilas Pilipinas, as the team prepares for the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers without one of its most recognizable young stars.

     

    Seven-foot-three center Kai Sotto is set to miss Window 2, and his availability for Window 3 remains uncertain as he eyes a crucial opportunity to pursue his NBA aspirations during the offseason of Japan’s B.League.

     

    Reports indicate Sotto plans to participate in the NBA Summer League beginning July 6—dates that overlap directly with Gilas’ scheduled road games against the New Zealand Tall Blacks and the Australia Boomers.

     

    For naturalized star Justin Brownlee, the situation reflects a familiar crossroads. Brownlee himself once chased the same dream after playing college basketball for the St. John’s Red Storm before eventually carving out a decorated professional career overseas.

     

    “I think it’s pretty dope, you know what I mean? I think it’s great for the country,” Brownlee said.

     

    Still, Brownlee emphasized that the path to the NBA remains one of the most difficult journeys in professional sports.

     

    “It’s tough, you know, that’s the best league we have in the world right now. All the best talent in the world. And I think just like any other profession, whether you could be a doctor or a pilot, to reach the top, it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and unbelievable confidence in yourself to always push yourself through the bad times and things like that,” said Brownlee, who previously had stints in the G League before taking his career overseas.

     

    “So it’s a very tough task, but I do see some Filipinos, some up-and-coming young guys that really have the opportunity and potential to possibly make it.”

     

    While Sotto’s absence would leave a noticeable gap—particularly in rim protection and interior scoring—Brownlee pointed out that the Philippines is entering a rare era of depth in frontcourt talent.

     

    Players like Quentin Millora-Brown, AJ Edu, Justine Baltazar, Carl Tamayo, and Mike Phillips are gradually reshaping the national team’s identity with versatility and international size.

     

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    Brownlee believes that the emergence of these younger big men reflects the lasting influence of established national team pillars such as June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar.

     

    “Talent has always been growing here in the Philippines, and in particular now, you know, it’s the bigs — a lot of big men in the country that are really good and have potential to be great. And follow the footsteps of guys like June Mar (Fajardo) and Japeth (Aguilar), you know, some really, you know, a lot of potential — NBA size, obviously with AJ, Carl, QMB, and just everybody, all the big guys,” the three-time PBA Best Import shared.

     

    “So they’ve been doing very well, and I can’t wait to see how they play out when they start getting in there, prime with their careers.”

     

    Even with long-term storylines forming around player availability, Brownlee made it clear that Gilas’ immediate focus remains on the present window, where the Philippines faces two of the region’s toughest programs.

     

    “Australia and New Zealand are two very tough opponents. They have been, you know, doing very well and playing in every competition in FIBA, whether it’s the World Cup, Asia Cup, the Olympics, and even New Zealand as well had an opportunity to go to the Olympics, but it’s just going to be tough,” he said.

     

    “They beat us the last couple of games or a couple of times we played them, so we just want to come in the game and just, you know, try our best and try to get the win, however we can get it.”

    For now, the national team continues to walk a familiar line—supporting individual dreams while chasing collective success—knowing that both paths are shaping the future of Philippine basketball.

     

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  • Kai Sotto’s decision looms as Gilas awaits final word for FIBA World Cup qualifiers

    Kai Sotto’s decision looms as Gilas awaits final word for FIBA World Cup qualifiers

    As the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers draws near, the conversation around Gilas Pilipinas centers on one towering figure: Kai Sotto.

     

    At 7-foot-3, Sotto’s presence would instantly change the complexion of Gilas’ upcoming home games against the New Zealand Tall Blacks and the Australia men’s national basketball team. But while much of the speculation has pointed to club restrictions, sources insist the situation is more nuanced—and far less controversial than initially portrayed.

     

    Contrary to earlier reports, Sotto’s B.League team, the Koshigaya Alphas, has already given him the green light to represent the Philippines.

     

    “Like QMB, he got a go-signal from his club (Koshigaya Alphas) to suit up for Gilas,” a source said on condition of anonymity.

     

    The clarification matters. Reports suggesting that Koshigaya withheld permission—particularly with Sotto recently returning from ACL surgery—did not sit well with the Japanese club’s management. Sources said Alphas officials even reached out to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to reiterate their willingness to release the Filipino center.

     

    The club also reportedly contacted Sotto’s representation, East West, to determine how their organization became linked to the narrative that they were blocking his participation.

    So if not the club, what is holding things back?

     

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    Insiders point to timing and opportunity. Sotto is said to be in consideration for a potential short-term NBA deal—an opportunity that could materialize before or during the qualifier window. With that possibility on the horizon, his camp is believed to be weighing the risks of immediate national team play versus preserving his health and availability for a breakthrough at the highest level.

     

    For Gilas, the stakes are clear. The Philippines will be facing bigger, more physical squads, making Sotto’s size and rim protection a valuable asset. Teammates have acknowledged the importance of frontcourt depth, especially against traditionally tall lineups like New Zealand and Australia.

    Training camp preparations continue, but Sotto’s status remains the final domino.

     

    His club has stepped aside. The federation is waiting. The fans are watching.

    Now, the decision rests on whether national duty aligns with career timing—and whether Gilas will have its tallest pillar when the qualifiers tip off.

     

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  • Quentin Millora-Brown, Kai Sotto lock in for Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA qualifiers push

    Quentin Millora-Brown, Kai Sotto lock in for Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA qualifiers push

    With the calendar tightening and the stakes rising, Gilas Pilipinas has finally secured the last two commitments needed to stabilize its rotation for the next phase of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The national program received a major boost after Quentin Millora-Brown formally pledged his availability for Window 2, signaling that the team’s frontcourt structure is beginning to take shape just in time for the crucial home stand.

     

    His commitment follows days of negotiations between his camp and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, primarily centered on contractual details required for insurance coverage and official club release during international windows.

     

    The update was first reported by Homer Sayson and later confirmed by Gilas head coach Tim Cone.

     

    “We’re hearing from the SBP that he might arrive tomorrow,” Cone said in a text message.

    Millora-Brown, currently playing for Chiba in Japan, quietly made an impact during the first qualifying window, averaging 7.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks against Guam. His rebounding presence and defensive length immediately addressed one of the team’s most pressing needs—interior stability.

     

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    His arrival also deepens a frontcourt rotation that already includes AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, and Justin Brownlee, giving Cone flexibility depending on matchups against bigger international lineups.

     

    Gilas will host New Zealand on February 26 and Australia on March 1. While Millora-Brown strengthens the immediate window, another major piece has been mapped out for the longer stretch.

     

    Sources confirmed that Kai Sotto has committed to rejoin the national team beginning Window 3 in July, marking his official return to Gilas competition after recovering from an ACL injury.

     

    Sotto last played for the national squad during the 2025 Asia Cup Qualifiers and is currently working his way back into full form with Koshigaya in Japan. The 7-foot-3 center is averaging 11.1 points and 9.3 rebounds across eight games since returning to action, though his club continues to carefully manage his minutes.

     

    Rather than rushing his comeback, Gilas and Sotto’s camp appear aligned on a gradual reintegration strategy—one that prioritizes long-term availability over short-term risk.

     

    Even so, Sotto is expected to be present during the current window for team viewings and system refreshers, ensuring he remains connected to Cone’s structure ahead of the July road games.

    With Millora-Brown locked in for Window 2 and Sotto penciled in for Window 3, the national pool now carries clearer continuity—something Gilas has been working toward since the start of the new Olympic cycle.

     

    For Cone, the focus now shifts from assembling talent to refining chemistry, as the Philippines looks to maintain its unbeaten start in Pool A while preparing for tougher tests ahead in the qualifiers.

     

    The pieces are finally falling into place. Now comes the harder part—turning a deep pool into a consistent winning rotation.

     

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  • Gilas gets to work despite missing Kai Sotto, Jamie Malonzo, and Quentin Millora-Brown 

    Gilas gets to work despite missing Kai Sotto, Jamie Malonzo, and Quentin Millora-Brown 

    The first day of camp wasn’t about who wasn’t there. It was about who showed up.

     

    At Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna, Gilas Pilipinas opened preparations for the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers with a group that looked smaller than expected — but deliberate.

     

    Nine pool players hit the floor Tuesday, setting the tone for a five-day buildup ahead of crucial home games against New Zealand on February 27 and Australia on March 1. 

     

    Dwight Ramos flew in from Hokkaido just a night earlier and immediately joined holdovers Justin Brownlee, June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, CJ Perez, Chris Newsome, and RJ Abarrientos. Also in uniform were Juan Gomez de Liano and Justine Baltazar, both eager to solidify their spots in a competitive rotation.

     

    The early sessions carried a familiar rhythm. Much of the core remains intact, and that continuity matters for a team that has already built momentum with a 2-0 record in Pool A.

     

    Still, this window comes with visible absences.

     

    Quentin Millora-Brown remains out as discussions between his camp and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas continue, with no finalized national team contract in place. Kai Sotto, currently playing in Japan with Koshigaya, is still regaining full strength after an ACL tear last year. Jamie Malonzo, the hero of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, will also sit out this stretch.

     

    “Jamie is in the States and was not available. We did invite him, but he hopes to join the next window,” Gilas head coach Tim Cone said. 

     

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    Rather than scrambling, the coaching staff appears to be leaning into flexibility. AJ Edu is expected to reinforce the squad later this week, along with KBL standouts Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo. Their arrival should inject additional size and versatility into Cone’s system.

     

    Interestingly, even those outside the official 16-man pool have been folded into the program. Troy Rosario is present despite not being listed for this window, while Far Eastern University’s American student-athlete Montell Shelton has been tapped as a practice player — a move that ensures competitive reps without overextending the rotation.

     

    Because of the current numbers, Cone will only need to trim one name before finalizing the lineup for the two home assignments. That relative stability offers a contrast to past windows, where last-minute changes and availability issues often forced significant adjustments.

     

    This time, the story feels different.

    The foundation is largely in place. The chemistry is familiar. The urgency is clear.

     

    Gilas isn’t at full strength — not yet. But with a spotless 2-0 slate and two high-level opponents looming, the focus inside Inspire isn’t on who’s missing.

     

    It’s on protecting home court and proving that continuity, even in limited numbers, can be enough.

     

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  • June Mar Fajado ready to step up for Gilas in the absence of key players in crucial FIBA Asian Qualifiers window

    June Mar Fajado ready to step up for Gilas in the absence of key players in crucial FIBA Asian Qualifiers window

    The second window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers is upon us, and Gilas Pilipinas is looking to build on a strong opening stretch as it continues its bid for a spot in the main draw of the global showpiece.

     

    The Philippines got off to a perfect start in Group A during the first window, sweeping its assignments to remain unbeaten. However, sterner tests await as Gilas prepares to face regional heavyweights in the upcoming set of fixtures — this time against Oceania powers Australia national basketball team and New Zealand national basketball team.

     

    Complicating matters for the national squad is the absence of key frontcourt pieces. Young big men Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown have both confirmed their non-availability for the two home games, leaving a significant void in size, rim protection, and interior scoring.

     

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    With two primary centers sidelined, the responsibility now shifts squarely onto the shoulders of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) cornerstone June Mar Fajardo. The multi-time PBA Most Valuable Player enters the window riding high after leading the San Miguel Beermen to the Philippine Cup title, once again reinforcing his status as one of the league’s most dominant forces.

     

    Fajardo acknowledged that the absence of Sotto and Millora-Brown presents a major challenge, particularly against taller and more physical opponents such as Australia and New Zealand, both known for their depth and size across all positions. Still, the veteran center emphasized preparation and collective effort as Gilas’ path forward.

     

    “Of course, we are preparing for our game in the upcoming window. For sure, it won’t be easy for us. It’s going to be tough. No easy games against them. But what we can do is to play our best to win,” Mar Fajardo said in a media interaction.

    The Philippines’ 2-0 record in the first window came at the expense of Guam, but the upcoming assignments represent a significant step up in competition. Australia, a consistent force in FIBA competitions and an Olympic-level program, brings a blend of NBA and high-level professional talent. New Zealand, meanwhile, has long been a disciplined and physical side capable of punishing lapses on both ends of the floor.

     

    “They are tough opponents. We know how strong they are and it won’t be easy playing them. But we are here, so we have to prepare and do all the necessary action plans and practices. We have to take this seriously and do what we need to do,” he added.

     

    Head coach Tim Cone will be tasked with recalibrating the rotation, particularly in the frontcourt, as Gilas seeks to compensate for its missing size. Expect adjustments in defensive schemes, quicker rotations, and perhaps a more perimeter-oriented attack to offset any mismatches inside.

     

    One significant advantage for Gilas is homecourt support. Both games will be staged at the Mall of Asia Arena, where the national team traditionally draws passionate crowds. The energy of the Filipino faithful has often served as a sixth man, especially in high-stakes international fixtures.

     

    “We are confident we can win because we are in our homecourt. Our fans and kababayans will be there to give us extra boost for sure,” he continued.

     

    Beyond tactical adjustments, Fajardo’s personal condition will be closely monitored. The 6-foot-10 center battled shoulder and knee concerns during San Miguel’s championship run, raising questions about workload management heading into a physically demanding international window.

     

    “I’m trying to get as much rest as I can. It’s back to training for me and I’m trying to stay sharp. It’s okay now. I’m doing some therapy and it’s okay,” Mar Fajardo concluded.

     

    Gilas opens the second window against New Zealand on Thursday, February 28, before facing Australia on Sunday, March 1 — two marquee matchups that could shape the trajectory of its qualification campaign. With key absences, heightened competition, and national pride at stake, the Philippines will need resilience, execution, and leadership — particularly from Fajardo — to protect its unbeaten record and strengthen its push toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup.

     

     

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