Kai now in town

MANILA, Philippines — Kai Sotto arrived here from Japan the other night ready to join Gilas at the Inspire Sports Academy camp in Calamba on Friday. He was earlier advised by doctors to delay his trip for observation after suffering a slight concussion in a B-League game. Sotto sustained a left ankle sprain late in the third quarter of Koshigaya’s 80-67 home win over Nagasaki, didn’t play in the fourth period and finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and three assists last Wednesday. He returned to play for Koshigaya’s 80-72 victory over Yokohama three nights later and scored seven points in 13 minutes before going down with a concussion.

Wasserman Sports Management basketball director Tony Ronzone, who looks after Sotto, said neither the sprain nor concussion is serious. “He’s OK and will play for Gilas, all good” said Ronzone. “Sprain was minor, no biggie. He’ll be ready for practice and good to go.”

Sotto is expected to suit up for Gilas against New Zealand on Nov. 21 and Hong Kong on Nov. 24 in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifying window, both at the MOA Arena. Gilas head coach Tim Cone confirmed the start of camp at Inspire on Friday. Only Jamie Malonzo, who’s recovering from a calf injury, won’t be available from the 12-man pool. “Coach Tim will decide during the technical meeting the day before each game whom he will put in Jamie’s spot,” said Gilas team manager/assistant coach Richard del Rosario. Reserves Japeth Aguilar and Mason Amos were invited to Inspire with Ange Kouame. Dwight Ramos was scheduled to arrive yesterday, AJ Edu is flying in today and Carl Tamayo on Friday.

Cone said he hopes Aguilar, who was visibly spent in the recent Governors’ Cup Finals, will join the camp. “There is some uncertainty with both AJ and Kai because of injuries in their last Japan games,” said Cone. “We’re told they may not be too serious but we won’t know for sure until we see them in practice. Justin (Brownlee) will play of course.”