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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Kai Sotto to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas

Kai Sotto to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas

Published Dec 17, 2020 05:46 pm
Kai Sotto (Photo from FIBA)

Filipino NBA prospect Kai Sotto has made himself available for Gilas Pilipinas and the likelihood of him donning the national team colors this February for Window 3 of the FIBA Asia Cup here is now an ongoing discussion between his coaches and officials of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Sotto, who signed with the NBA G-League last May, announced his desire to play for the men’s national team after numerous stints with the Youth squad – the last was in the FIBA U-19 World Cup last year in Greece.

“I’m really looking forward na makasama uli ang aking former teammates, at ang mga PBA players na ini-idolo ko dati pa,” said Sotto in a recorded message that was played during a press briefing to launch the partnership of Smart Communications and FIBA for the 2023 World Cup.

“Together with them, I hope we play our best and bring glory to our country,” added the 7-foot-2 Sotto, son of ex-PBA player Ervin Sotto.

After finishing his high school in Ateneo, the 18-year-old Sotto trained in Atlanta with The Skill Factory. Despite a number of offers from Division 1 schools in the US NCAA, he opted to forgo his college eligibility, as he turned pro by signing with the NBA G-League team Ignite.

The country has been chosen as one of four host nations for Window 3 of the last qualifying meet for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup. The national team takes on Indonesia and South Korea.

Gilas project director Tab Baldwin expressed optimism on Sotto’s desire to play, although that decision – he said – is up to the Ignite management with its talks with SBP officials led by its president Al Panlilio.

“We’d like to think and we have every belief that that would be for February, but there are still discussions ongoing,” said Baldwin.

“Everybody is hopeful, all the fans, all the coaches and all of his teammates, we all can’t wait to welcome Kai back into the Gilas fold, and take the next step forward towards 2023 with him.”

“I’m very excited to hear that he has the passion for it as well,” said Baldwin.

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