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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Kai Sotto risks missing Asian Games, WC Qualifiers in chase of NBA dream

Kai Sotto risks missing Asian Games, WC Qualifiers in chase of NBA dream

Published Mar 3, 2026 02:19 pm

At A Glance

  • The 7-foot-3 center is reportedly seeking another chance at making it to the big league either by trying out for a spot through the NBA Summer League or taking the US NCAA route where he would play college ball in hopes of impressing scouts.

Kai Sotto is giving his NBA dream another shot.

The 7-foot-3 center is reportedly seeking another chance at making it to the big league either by trying out for a spot through the NBA Summer League or taking the US NCAA route where he would play college ball in hopes of impressing scouts.

It was a path that had already been taken by former G-League players as well as international standouts as the collegiate league allows players to still suit up for schools as long as they have not signed an NBA contract.

It can be recalled that Sotto never really went to college despite offers from NCAA teams back in 2020 and instead signed up for the G-League Ignite before playing professionally in the NBL Australia and Japan B.League.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas said it is aware of Sotto’s plans though nothing has been cast in stone yet especially since the Japan B.League, where the Gilas center plays for Koshigaya Alphas, won’t end until late April or early May.

Either way, the 23-year-old could be missing significant time with Gilas if he pushes through with his plans although the SBP assured that it remains supportive of the big man’s NBA dream.

Sotto, who missed the second window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers to focus on strengthening, isn’t a lock for the third window in July especially if he goes on to join the Summer League which is scheduled around that time as well.

If he commits to a school, Sotto could even miss the last three windows of the World Cup qualifiers. The NCAA tournament runs from November to March which would run smack to the second round of the qualifiers are set in early September, mid-November and March 2027.

On top of that, the Asian Games is also set in September where most NCAA schools are also expected to begin their training camps.

“Depende sa outcome sa pagsali niya sa eskwelahan. His plans are still toward going to the NBA. Pero kailangan natin siya. It’s hard to fault him because it’s not about the money; he wants to play (in the NBA),” said SBP president Ricky Vargas.

“Playing for the country and sacrificing your dreams is notable. Going for your dream and representing the country is also notable. Both are correct,” he added.

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