Kai Sotto’s return after a long absence serves as a flicker of hope amid Gilas’ already precarious spot in the most crucial round of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Already in a must-win situation and a man down with naturalized player Justin Brownlee still recovering from an injury, Gilas faces a difficult route in its bid for a fourth straight trip to the world stage.

Gilas’ fate in the fourth window depends on how the 7-foot-3 center steps up and contributes to the cause.

Much of the pressure — and hopes — of the Philippine squad is on the shoulders of the 24-year-old big man, who is back in blue and white after two years.

The national squad is battling Jordan, as of press time, at the Mall of Asia Arena. Gilas will then cap its home stand against Iran on Sunday.

“We think he’s going to cause problems for both teams, and he’s going to make everybody around him better,” Gilas head coach Tim Cone said of his prized frontline man.

Sotto, whose last appearance for Gilas was back in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers when the Philippines crushed visiting Hong Kong, 93-54, on 24 November 2024, is now in full health after being sidelined by a spate of injuries.

He was out of the team for over a year after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in early 2025 while playing in the Japan B.League.

“He’s come full force. I mean, you know, he’s brought all of his talent, all of his size. He’s really, you know, been impactful and, you know, we’re kind of building around him,” Cone added.

Sotto’s inclusion has deepened Gilas’ frontline alongside AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo and Justine Baltazar.

“He’s relatively — I don’t want to say new to the team, but, you know, he hasn’t been with us for a couple of years, so guys are still adjusting to his level of play,” Cone said.

“So, he’s just a great addition. We’re just really happy to have him.”

Gilas entered Friday’s game with a 2-4 carryover record, outside the top four, in Group E.