By WAYLON GALVEZ
NBA prospect Kai Sotto is willing to play with his PBA idols if given the opportunity to become part of Gilas Pilipinas that will see action in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in Clark, Pampanga next year.
Sotto, who signed with the NBA G-League team Ignite last May, made his desire known on Thursday, saying he’s excited to be reunited with his former PH Youth teammates at the same time play with his PBA idols in the qualifiers that will see Gilas play South Korea twice. They will also meet the Indons.
Officials of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) are now talking with Sotto’s handlers in the US.
“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.
Gilas project director Tab Baldwin expressed optimism on Sotto’s desire to play, although that decision – he said – is up to the Ignite management.
“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.
Meantime, Sotto tallied six points and six boards in the team’s 125-99 loss to G League veterans. Fil-Am Jalen Rose scored 20 points apart from hauling down six rebounds.
