By REYNALD MAGALLON
Now the waiting game begins.
Kai Sotto has been cleared of any major back injuries according to Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes but the question on when the 7-foot-3 center could join the national team training for the FIBA 2023 World Cup remains up in the air.
Reyes shared that Sotto is set to arrive in the country on Tuesday, July 18 following his stint with Orlando Magic in the NBA Summer League.
“I think he’s arriving tomorrow. If he’s coming to practice I don’t know I’m not sure but I think he’s arriving in the country,” said Reyes after the team’s training on Monday, July 17 at the Meralco Gym.
A back injury put an abrupt end to Sotto’s Summer League stint where he registered three DNPs in the Magic’s first three games before putting up decent numbers of six points, four rebounds and three blocks in 13 minutes of play in his debut game.
The injury however prevented Sotto from further strutting his wares and only played sparingly in Orlando’s final game against the Boston Celtics.
Good thing, there were no signs of major injuries following initial tests on his back.
“I had a chance to talk to Tony Ronzone from Wasserman and he said all X-rays came back negative so I guess that’s good news but I havent had to talk to Kai himself,” said Reyes.
However, clouds of uncertainty still surround Sotto’s participation after he hinted at a need for a rest following his Summer League stint.
“Mahirap sabihin kasi ‘yun nga, simula last year tuloy-tuloy na. wala pa talaga akong break para alagaan ang katawan ko. Pag-iisipan ko pa. Alagaan ko likod ko ngayon, mag-rehab ako as soon as I get back, so we’ll see,” Sotto earlier told Filipino reporters at the end of his Summer League stint.
“Well unless he’s here, the only time we can be sure is when he actually shows up,” said Reyes.
