Gilas fingers crossed
MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas is hoping for the best for big man Kai Sotto but is ready for any eventuality.
Sotto hurt his left knee last Sunday in the Koshigaya Alphas’ 77-79 loss to the Mikawa Seahorses in the Japan B. League, triggering fears the injury might force him out of action, too, for the Nationals’ FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers Window 3 matches against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand next month.
Sotto, just getting better each time he dons the Gilas jersey, went down three minutes into the game and the score pegged at 6-6. He apparently hurt his knee after an awkward landing.
Sotto lay on the floor holding on to his knee and was attended to by team officials. He was carried out of the court in a stretcher and did not return to action but stayed on the bench, a sign that the injury wasn’t as serious as it looked.
Gilas coach Tim Cone said they are closely monitoring the situation of Sotto although “we haven’t heard anything yet.”
Worse case, there’s always veteran Japeth Aguilar to step in for the 7-foot-3 star.
“That’s why we have Japeth,” Gilas coach Cone said.
“Japeth is there to replace any of the bigs that we have. And if you can tell me there’s another big out there that matches Japeth’s size and ability, then I’ll be happy to look at him.”
“And we have Mason Amos to fortify us if we lose someone like Jamie (Malonzo) or one of the other guards,” he added.
Despite the constant threat of injury, Cone said he’s sticking to his “small” group of 12 regulars plus two alternates.
“The preparation time is so limited. You really have to make the most of that time. We can’t afford to try and teach 18, 19, or 20 players and get them into rhythm. We need to keep the roster tight so we can maximize our preparation,” he explained.
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