Philippines head coach Tim Cone told Kai Sotto he would talk to the Miami Heat about a possible NBA opportunity after the Gilas Pilipinas center posted another big double-double in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone was caught on FIBA’s livestream telling Kai Sotto that he would speak with the Miami Heat about a possible NBA opportunity.
Position
C
Age
24
Height
221 cm
Weight
105 kg
Birth place
Las Piñas, Philippines
The conversation took place before the postgame press conference following the Philippines’ win over Iran on Sunday.
Cone told Sotto that he still believes the 7-foot-3 center has what it takes to make it into the NBA.
“I still think you need to get in the league. Find a way. I’ll talk to Miami. See what I can do? Would you be willing?”
Sotto nodded in response.
Tim Cone has Miami Heat connection
Cone has a prior connection with the Heat organization.
He previously served on Miami’s coaching staff as a guest assistant for the 2022 NBA Summer League.
In addition, he is also a longtime friend of Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra.
Kai Sotto shines in Gilas return
The conversation came on the heels of another standout performance from Sotto.
During Gilas Pilipinas’ 68-56 victory over Iran in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Sotto recorded 13 points, 16 rebounds, and three assists, finishing with a 22 efficiency rating.
It was his second straight double-double since returning to the national team.
Two days earlier, Sotto posted 18 points and 14 rebounds while delivering the game-saving block in an 82-81 overtime win against Jordan.
Sotto is currently a free agent
Sotto is currently without a club. His contract with Japan’s Koshigaya Alphas expired after the 2025-26 season.
The team placed him on the B.League free-agent list in May.
Sotto averaged 13.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and shot 52.0 percent from the field across 28 games for Koshigaya last season.
The 24-year-old previously played for NBA G League Ignite, the Adelaide 36ers, the Hiroshima Dragonflies, and the Yokohama B-Corsairs before joining Koshigaya.
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