Cone, however, said he remains optimistic about Sotto's career even with the injury. "I'm heartbroken for him, but Kai is young, still only 22, and has a lot of basketball still ahead of him.

But the wingman appeared in street clothes during the game and Cone told reporters afterwards that he felt his prized Fil-American recruit, though fit and healthy, is not yet basketball ready.

League on Sunday. But head coach Tim Cone stressed the national team will stick to the same pool of players, which includes veteran big Japeth Aguilar, in any eventuality that Sotto will be ruled out ...