MANILA, Philippines – Kai Sotto returns to Gilas Pilipinas as he banners the 20-man pool for the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers released on Friday, October 28.

Currently playing for the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League in Australia, Sotto reunites with the national team for its pair of away games against Jordan and Saudi Arabia on November 10 and 13, respectively.

The 7-foot-3 big man will not miss any of the 36ers’ games as the NBL goes on a break to give way for the FIBA window.

Joining Sotto in the pool are Japan B. League players Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos, and Ray Parks, UAAP standouts Carl Tamayo, Angelo Kouame, and Kevin Quiambao, and youngster Francis “LeBron” Lopez.

Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, and Jamie Malonzo, San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez, TNT’s Calvin Oftana, Poy Erram, and Roger Pogoy, NorthPort’s William Navarro and Arvin Tolentino, and Meralco’s Chris Newsome complete the pool.

It is uncertain, though, whether Fajardo (throat) and Newsome (calf) can play as they recover from their respective injuries.

Just like the NBL, the UAAP and the B. League will go on a break during the window, while the PBA has no scheduled games for San Miguel, TNT, and Ginebra that will coincide with Gilas Pilipinas’ matches.

According to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the national team will take advantage of the long break from October 31 to November 1 and will practice for three straight days before it flies to Jordan on November 7.

Toting an even 3-3 record, the Philippines eyes its first win against Jordan and looks to repeat over Saudi Arabia. – Rappler.com