Now fully healthy, big man Kai Sotto looks forward to contributing to a Gilas Pilipinas side desperate to stay alive in the hunt for a spot in next year’s FIBA World Cup.

The 7-foot-3 center’s first tour of duty back after a two-year absence is a welcome relief for Gilas’ homestand in the fourth window of the Asian Qualifiers against Jordan and Iran on Friday and Sunday, respectively, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“It came at the right time since I’m now fully healthy,” Sotto said.

Sotto was sidelined by a spate of injuries, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament on his left knee early last year while playing in the Japan B.League.

The 24-year-old Sotto last suited up for Gilas back in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers when the Philippines crushed visiting Hong Kong, 93-54, on 24 November 2024. Sotto finished with 12 points, 15 rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 23 minutes of play.

“The reason why I didn’t play in the previous year was that I was injured. Then my season (with the Koshigaya Alphas) is already finished. It’s the offseason and I’m not doing anything,” Sotto added.

Sotto joined training last week despite initial uncertainty about his commitment as he is also busy preparing for a shot in the US NCAA.

“It was two or three days before we started (training) that we got confirmation that Kai was going to join us,” Gilas head coach Tim Cone said.

“We’re surprised as everybody else. We’re jumping for joy here when he decided to join us.”

Sotto said a big factor in his decision to return is the fact that it could be his last time to play with decorated big man June Mar Fajardo, who has hinted at retiring from the national team.

“Coach Tim and the management talked to us. Then I’ve learned that CJ (Perez) will be back and this will be the last window of Kuya June. I think it’s fate that we’re all here together for this opportunity,” Sotto said.

Gilas is facing a tall task of practically sweeping the second round against the Middle Eastern giants, including Syria, to keep its hopes of a fourth straight World Cup appearance in Qatar next year alive.

The Philippines is on a four-game skid and holds a 2-4 win-loss slate. Gilas’ woes have been compounded by the fact that it will march into battle without injured naturalized player Justin Brownlee.

“We’re facing tremendous pressure. But it’s the kind of pressure we need,” Sotto said.

“Since we started practice right up to now, we are gradually improving. As long as we’re together, work together and trust each other, we’ll be able to reach our goal,” he added.