MANILA, Philippines — Kai Sotto’s long-running NBA dream may have received an unexpected boost after Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone revealed that he plans to reach out to the Miami Heat on behalf of the Filipino big man.
The development came after the Philippines completed a crucial sweep of Jordan and Iran in the fourth window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
Following Gilas Pilipinas’ 68-56 victory over Iran on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, Cone was caught on a hot mic speaking with Sotto about his NBA aspirations.
“I’ll talk to Miami, see what I can do,” Cone told the 7-foot-3 center, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Cone also encouraged Sotto to continue pursuing his NBA goal, reinforcing his long-standing belief that the Filipino center still has a pathway into the league.
Why Miami?
Cone’s connection to the Miami Heat makes his comments particularly intriguing.
In 2022, Cone joined Miami’s coaching staff during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. He also has a longstanding friendship with Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, whose Filipino heritage has helped create a strong connection between the Miami organization and Philippine basketball.
Cone previously expressed his desire to see Sotto receive an opportunity with Miami during the 2022 NBA Draft period, even saying that having Sotto play for the Heat’s Summer League team would be “poetic.”
That history gives Cone a legitimate connection to the organization—but it is important to distinguish a recommendation from an actual NBA opportunity.
As of now, there is no confirmation that the Miami Heat have offered Sotto a contract, Summer League invitation, workout or roster spot.
Sotto is giving NBA scouts plenty to watch
Sotto’s timing could hardly be better.
After returning to Gilas Pilipinas following an extended absence, the 24-year-old center delivered back-to-back double-doubles against Jordan and Iran.
Against Jordan, Sotto produced 18 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, including the game-saving rejection that preserved the Philippines’ 82-81 overtime victory.
Two nights later, he followed it with 13 points, 16 rebounds and three assists as Gilas rallied past Iran, 68-56.
FIBA highlighted Sotto’s all-around impact during the window, while Cone has repeatedly praised the big man’s basketball IQ, passing ability, defensive instincts and ability to make his teammates better.
Across the two games, Sotto averaged 15.5 points, 15 rebounds and three assists, giving Gilas a major presence inside during the two-game homestand.
The Philippines finished the window with a 4-4 record in Group E and strengthened its position in the race for a place in the 2027 FIBA World Cup.
The NBA road remains difficult
Sotto’s NBA pursuit, however, is far from guaranteed.
He went undrafted in 2022 despite being one of the most closely followed international prospects in the Philippines. He later played for the Orlando Magic during the 2023 NBA Summer League.
Sotto has also dealt with setbacks along the way, including an ACL injury in January 2025 that kept him away from Gilas action for an extended period.
More recently, reports have indicated that Sotto has been exploring a possible route through the US college system as he continues looking for opportunities that could bring him closer to the NBA.
GMA News previously reported that Sotto was working on a potential move to an NCAA team in the United States. That possibility remains part of the broader picture surrounding his next career step.
Cone’s message could matter—even if Miami says no
The significance of Cone’s comments may ultimately go beyond whether the Heat actually sign Sotto.
For an NBA hopeful who has spent years searching for the right opportunity, getting an experienced coach with NBA connections to advocate for him could help open another door.
And Sotto’s latest Gilas performances provide something every NBA hopeful needs: fresh game footage against high-level international competition.
His ability to rebound, protect the rim, pass from the interior and create opportunities for teammates was on full display during the two-game sweep.
Cone has now made his position clear.
He still believes Sotto belongs in the conversation.
And he is willing to make a call.
The question now is what happens when that call reaches Miami.
For Sotto, the NBA dream remains alive.
And for Filipino basketball fans, the next chapter could be one of the most intriguing yet.
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