From one Gilas big man to another, Kai Sotto is happy to share his knowledge with his teammate Kevin Quiambao regarding his next career move. 

The 21-year-old center, who fit right in Gilas head coach Tim Cone’s system in the first window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, was equally supportive of his fellow big Quiambao

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Along with other younger guys Carl Tamayo and AJ Edu, Sotto and Quiambao have been called up to renew their bond for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ (SBP) long-term program in the next four years. 

“KQ is probably the most quiet guy on the team, so I try to talk to him all the time and he reached out. He told me about his plans, and I told him kasi I have already experienced ‘yung mga options na sinabi niya na meron siya. So I just give him kung ano ‘yung sa tingin ko and opinions ko and whatever I can do to help him, I’ll be there kasi he’s my brother. So I’m excited for him. He’s pro already, he’s a very smart player, he works hard, so I’m very excited for his next step,” said Sotto. 

While Quiambao mulls over his next career move, Sotto has gone through the same thing – weighing equally promising options presented to him.

Although the reigning UAAP MVP has already expressed his desire to earn a degree in De La Salle and committed to playing for at least one more year with the school, rumors of him going pro has been swirling around. 

The 22-year-old Green Archer received an offer to become a naturalized player for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) national team following his second stint with Strong Group Athletics in Dubai last month. 

Consequently, rumors of him receiving an invitation to play in the NBA Summer League for the New York Knicks made rounds on social media when SGA public relations officer Nico Rocha confirmed the news in a now deleted instagram post, which was then promptly denied by head coach Charles Tiu. 

With options beyond his already brilliant collegiate career, Quiambao is opting to focus on his Gilas stint as he stays sharp and ready. 

Sotto, who played for Australia’s National Basketball League before finding his way back to Japan B. League, was tapped by the Orlando Magic in the NBA Summer League last year where he made his debut. 

With similar career paths, Sotto said he will be happy to see where Quiambao eventually end up as former Batang Gilas players now fulfilling their duties in the men’s national team.