SEVEN-FOOT-FOUR Zachary “Kai” Sotto is in Clark with the men’s basketball team but whether or not he is in game shape is a decision comebacking head coach Tab Baldwin will have to make on the eve of battle on Tuesday.
“It’s an ongoing evaluation,” said Ryan Gregorio, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Special Assistant to President Al Panlilio.
Sotto had to be home quarantined for 14 days upon his arrival from the US. He got his freedom only the other day.
All three teams—Philippines, Indonesia and South Korea—in Group A of the third and last window of the International Basketball Federation (Fiba) Asia Qualifiers are required to submit their lineup on Tuesday.
“We are hoping that Kai will be able to play, of course, but the great news for us is that he’s tested negative [for Covid-19],” Gregorio said. “This is an opportunity to thank Kai and his team for volunteering to serve our flag and country once again.”
Gregorio said that inserting in the roster this close to the tournament won’t be an easy task for the coaches.
“He will still be evaluated in terms of his match fitness, a part of my discussion with coach Tab [Baldwin]. We want to make sure we are not compromising his health,” Gregorio said. “He has not done a lot of basketball in the last few days, and we want to immerse him slowly.”
Baldwin, on the other hand, said they are “working through a process” but guarantee Sotto’s inclusion.
“It’s too early to say what his timetable will be,” Baldwin said. “We’ve hardly had any time on the court with him.”
Baldwin, according to Gregorio, wanted to make sure that Sotto must know the defensive schemes of things, their concept on offense, strategies, scouting reports, and how he would build a strong chemistry with his teammates in the weeklong three-game tournament.
“Whether we will see him right away, I can give a more definite answer tomorrow [Tuesday],” Gregorio said. “But right now, we are just happy he is with the team.”
“You really going to have a hard time hiding a 7’4 guy but that’s exactly how we are excited about our Gilas team,” Gregorio added.
The Philippines faces South Korea at 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Indonesia also at 6 p.m. on Friday. The Filipinos clash with the Koreans at the close of the group competition at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
The Philippines is undefeated in three games in group.