Photo credit: Kai Zachary Sotto

With the FIBA World Cup's opening just around the corner, Gilas Pilipinas has received a significant boost as Kai Sotto, their promising young player, has been granted permission to participate in team practices.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio confirmed the news, revealing that Sotto had been given the green light by both his personal doctors and those from SBP. Sotto had been in the process of recovering from a back injury sustained during the NBA Summer League last month, which had led to sporadic attendance at Gilas practices.

Although SBP was unable to personally review Sotto's MRI results, Panlilio expressed confidence in the medical assessment that cleared Sotto to play.

"Our doctors met and they cleared him," Panlilio said, emphasizing the need to focus on the upcoming games. Sotto, who demonstrated determination and effort during his recent practice sessions, will now shift his attention to improving his fitness in the remaining ten days before the tournament kicks off.