Gilas' Chot Reyes says negotiations with Kai Sotto's camp ongoing for FIBA qualifiers sixth window

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes is hoping Kai Sotto will be able to join the national team for the sixth and final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers slated this February.

The tactician said there are ongoing talks with Sotto's camp and it is up to them if they will accept it or not.

"I know they're talking, there are negotiations. We've made an offer. We've made a very good offer," Reyes told reporters on Saturday.

"It's up to them now kung anong gagawin nila if they'll accept it or not. I hope they do, but we'll never know until he's actually here (It's up to them now what they will do, if they'll accept it or not. I hope they do, but we'll never know until he's actually here)."

Reyes said he is aware of Sotto's commitment to play for the national team, but hopes he will make it to the window.

"He's always told us how committed he is to the national team, how he wants to serve," said Reyes.

"I think we can see even in his own personal statements, mga post niya. Alam naman natin 'yun, but again, until he's here (I think we can see even in his own personal statements, in his posts. We all know it, but again, until he's here)."

After Sotto's stint with the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League in Australia, the big man is set to bring his talent to the Japan B.League's Hiroshima Dragonflies.

The B.League will have a break in its season for the sixth window and players such as brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Ray Parks, and Jordan Heading are expected to join Gilas training. Carl Tamayo, who will join the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the Japan league, has already joined practices beforehand.

Gilas will play Lebanon on February 24 and Jordan on February 27 in the sixth window, with the games to be played at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

The Philippines, as one of the hosts of the World Cup, is already assured of a slot in global basketball's biggest event scheduled for August this year.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News