Gilas Pilipinas center Kai Sotto has been cleared to play in the semifinals against Brazil after his test results went negative for a rib fracture, according to team manager Richard del Rosario.
Sotto was hurt during the Philippines’ game against Georgia on Thursday evening after an unsportsmanlike foul from Joe Thomasson right before the first half ended. This left him sidelined for the rest of the match.
Gilas Pilipinas, however, said Sotto is still nursing soreness and classified him as a game time decision.
Sotto plays as the starting center for the Philippines, alongside PBA veteran June Mar Fajardo, in the triangle offense of head coach Tim Cone.
Sotto has averaged 11.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in the tournament hosted by Latvia at the Riga Arena.
Gilas Pilipinas faces Brazil in the semifinal round on Saturday, July 6, at 8:30 PM Manila time.