Kai Sotto cleared to play as FIBA World Cup 2023 approaches
Philippines centre Sotto has been given the medical clearance to practise with the team ahead of the Basketball World Cup which tips off on 25 August.
Kai Sotto has been given the go-ahead to join the Philippines men's basketball team as they ramp up their preparations ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio announced on Tuesday (15 August) that two teams of doctors had cleared the 2.21m-centre to play after lower back spasms had kept him out of action following a spell in the NBA Summer League.
"Just to share, our doctors spoke yesterday to the doctors of Kai [Sotto], to the SBP doctors and he's been cleared to play," Panlilio said during a weekly forum of the Philippines Sportswriters Association.
“What we wanted to do was to really put closure and also move forward and really just focus on the games. Our doctors met. The doctors of Kai and our doctor, doctor Randy Molo met and they’ve cleared him,” he added.
Now back and training in the squad, the 21-year-old is expected to appear in the Philippines' next set of warm-up which include matchups against Cote D'Ivoire, Montenegro and Mexico.
Expectations surrounding the Gilas Pilipinas for the World Cup are high with the country co-hosting the event with Japan and Indonesia.
The inclusion of Utah Jazz player Jordan Clarkson in the extended roster has also raised hopes surrounding the side who will open up against the Dominican Republic on 25 August.