By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno 

MANILA – Kai Sotto is joining Gilas Pilipinas for the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers later this month.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced on Wednesday that the seven-foot-three center will become part of the national team’s player pool for Gilas’ upcoming games against Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.

According to SBP, Sotto, who has committed to play a second season with the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian National Basketball League, will arrive on August 18 from Australia.

“We are glad to have Kai into the Gilas fold and thank him for his proactive response to play for the flag and country in the August qualifiers,” SBP executive director Sonny Barrios, also the organization’s spokesperson, said in a statement.

During Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum, Barrios said National Basketball Association veteran Jordan Clarkson will headline the Gilas pool with the Ravena Brothers, Ray-Ray Parks, LeBron Lopez, Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao, and Dwight Ramos.

The Philippine Basketball Association players that will complete the pool will be announced following the conclusion of the Philippine Cup semifinals. (PNA)