FILIPINO NBA prospect Kai Sotto has agreed to play for the Philippine men’s basketball team in the upcoming window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) said on Wednesday.

According to the SBP statement, the 7-foot-2 Sotto expressed his eagerness to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the qualifiers and is set to arrive in the country on Thursday, August 18.

Sotto is in Australia where he plays for the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League.

“We are glad to have Kai into the Gilas fold and thank him for his proactive response to the call to play for flag and country for the August Qualifiers,” Sonny Barrios, SBP executive director and spokesman, said.

Earlier, Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson confirmed his availability to play for the Philippine team in the fourth window of the qualifiers slated later this month.

Sotto and Clarkson will join Thirdy Ravena, Kiefer Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks, Carl Tamayo, Francis Lopez, Kevin Quiambao and Dwight Ramos in the initial pool of players.

Gilas Pilipinas may tap players from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the final composition of the national team will be announced after the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup semis. Meanwhile, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes has confirmed that Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Coach will be joining the national team coaching staff for the August qualifiers.

The Philippines will take on Lebanon in Beirut on August 26 and will host Saudi Arabia on August 29.