Tim Cone tells NBA hopeful Kai Sotto: ‘I’ll talk to Miami’

Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone and center Kai Sotto during the postgame press conference after the Philippines’ win over Iran in the fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers at Mall of Asia Arena.–JONAS TERRADO/INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines–Coach Tim Cone was caught on a hot mic before the start of the postgame press conference after Gilas Pilipinas’ 68-56 win over Iran in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Sunday night.

Cone was overheard talking to Kai Sotto about trying to help the 7-foot-3 center with his NBA ambitions.

“I’ll talk to Miami, see what I can do,” Cone told Sotto, referring to the Miami Heat, where he has a history.

I’LL TALK TO MIAMI, SEE WHAT I CAN DO

Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone is overheard telling to Kai Sotto about his plans to talk with the Miami Heat before the postgame press conference following Sunday’s win over Iran #FIBAWC @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/dToRvUkxof

— Jonas Terrado (@jonasterradoINQ) August 30, 2026

The Barangay Ginebra mentor spent time with the Heat as a guest assistant coach during the 2022 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas while also having a long connection with the Heat’s Fil-American coach Erik Spoelstra.

Whether Cone’s ties could help remains to be seen.

READ: 2022 NBA Draft: Kai Sotto’s path to his ultimate dream 

Sotto is still eyeing a shot at making the NBA despite being left undrafted in 2022 and playing for the Orlando Magic in the 2023 Summer League.

There are reports that Sotto may try to play in the US NCAA as a possible route toward the NBA.

So far, Sotto has been coy about his plans after playing a major part in Gilas’ twin wins over Jordan and Iran in the fourth window.