Kai Sotto and the Adelaide 36ers are expected to be back in action against Perth Wildcats on their home court at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Friday, Jan. 7.
The 36ers’ last two games were postponed as the team entered the league's COVID-19 health and safety protocols following an infection of one of their players.
Under Australia's close contact guidelines, players who will turn out negative after a retest will be freed from the mandatory home quarantine while positive individuals will remain in isolation.
The 36ers CEO Nic Barbato shared the development in a statement released on Friday.
“Tuesday morning, we were forced to postpone our game against the Perth Wildcats as a precautionary measure due to COVID-19 protocols and close contact requirements in South Australia. The decision came after a team member tested positive to COVID, resulting in all game-day players and staff being deemed close contacts,” said Barbato in the statement
“Fast forward to today, the State Government close contact directions will be updated and all squad members who tested negative will be free from home quarantine requirements and back into normal group training.” added Adelaide top executive.
Sotto will have the chance to play for his second game for the 36ers after initially missing his team’s the first four playing dates due to knee soreness. The Filipino teen wunderkind showed glimpse of potential in debut finishing with one point, three rebounds, two assists and a pair of highlight blocks in just 10-minutes of play.