By Jonas Terrado
Coach Yeng Guiao sees the inclusion of young Kai Sotto to the national team’s 20-man pool for the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers as an opportunity for the Ateneo high school star to hone his skills alongside some of the country’s premier players.
Sotto was a notable addition to the pool over national team veterans like Andray Blatche and Terrence Romeo, a move Guiao described as a win-win situation for the 16-year-old giant who has made heads turn for his performances both here and abroad.
Guiao even didn’t rule out the possibility of seeing Sotto make the final 12 for either the match against Kazakhstan on Nov. 30 and Iran on Dec. 3, both at the Mall of Asia Arena, depending on his progress.
“With Kai, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain,” Guiao said in Tuesday’s press conference announcing the pool at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“If he’s there, I like to see him play against the big boys and be able to accelerate his development. And who knows, baka gulatin tayo at mamaya makakuha siya ng slot sa final 12. We don’t know that,” he added.
The 7-foot-1 Sotto will get a chance to show his wares during practices where he will be able to take part along with 6-foot-10 June Mar Fajardo and 7-foot Greg Slaughter, players also blessed with height and talent.
