Uncertainty still surrounds Kai’s status with Gilas

(UPDATE) KAI Sotto's status with Gilas Pilipinas is still up in the air as far as coach Chot Reyes is concerned.

For one, Reyes said he was told that the 7-foot-3 youthful big man is scheduled to see his doctor on Thursday.

“The last we've heard, he's going to see again his doctor on Thursday and then make a decision,” Reyes told Martie Bautista of News5.

Kai Sotto AFP PHOTO

Sotto has yet to join Gilas' practice since arriving some three weeks ago following his NBA Summer League stint with the Orlando Magic.

He sought a two-week break from Reyes upon his return for the purpose of undergoing rehab on his back, which he hurt in the Magic's final Summer League game against the Boston Celtics.

Things have become icy from there between Sotto and the Gilas mentor, whose only desire is to get the national team whipped into tip-top shape with just a little over two weeks left before the 2023 FIBA World Cup tipoff.

“Obviously, if something's wrong with him (Sotto), it's going to be a problem,” he said matter-of-factly.

Sotto, during last weekend's guest appearance at the Power and Play sports program of former PBA commissioner Noli Eala, reiterated his commitment for the flag and the country.

In that same sports program, he said he's had six sessions of rehab on his back and is looking forward to completing it so he could rejoin Gilas' practice.

Reyes and Gilas are scheduled to resume practice on Wednesday, just a day after arriving from Guangdong, China.

The Philippines finished its pocket tournament in China with a 3-1 record, including back-to-back wins over Senegal and Iran Team B.

Utah Jazz superstar Jordan Clarkson arrived in Manila early Tuesday morning and is expected to practice with Gilas from Wednesday onwards.