Justin Brownlee, Japeth Aguilar hope for the best for injured Kai Sotto

Justin Brownlee and Japeth Aguilar are both hoping for the best for their injured Gilas Pilipinas teammate Kai Sotto.

Sotto on Wednesday confirmed that he sustained an ACL injury in the Japan B.League.

"That's definitely, you know, a tough blow for the team," Brownlee said on Wednesday.

"I can only imagine what he's going through, but [I'm] definitely sending prayers to him. Hoping he can keep his high spirits up, just get well soon, get through his injury, and, you know, hope his surgery goes well and the rehab process and everything goes well," he added.

Aguilar, meanwhile, said Sotto still has a long way to go in his young career and hopes he will come back stronger.

"He's still young, you're still young. Always trust in the Lord, have faith. He has plans for you. Keep your spirit up. You will be back stronger. God bless you, Kai," said Aguilar.

With Aguilar expecting to fill Sotto's spot in the upcoming window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, the Ginebra big man said he is ready for whatever role will be given to him in Gilas.

"'Yung role ko is to guide them. 'Yung system namin, 'yung triangle ni Coach Tim, 'yun ang pinaka-importan sa amin, ma-execute namin nang maayos. Kung anuman maitulong ko sa kanila, 'yun ang role ko."

The third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers will be held in February with Gilas Pilipinas playing away games against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News