By NIKOLE JAVIER
Between chasing his NBA dreams and fulfilling his club team duties overseas, Kai Sotto was glad to be back with Gilas Pilipinas as they make a home stand in the 2023 FIBA World Cup that the country is co-hosting starting Aug. 25.
The Gilas big man was medically cleared to play for the Nationals and immediately joined the team practice once given the green light.
Despite being unable to participate in the team’s friendly matches, Sotto is feeling good to be playing at home and rejoining the squad for the first time since the fifth window of the World Cup in November last year.
“It feels good. Home is home. Every time I play para sa bansa, sobrang happy ako, walang pressure and sobrang enjoy lang,” Sotto said during the PUMA Our Ball Above All event at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati on Saturday, Aug. 19.
“Just good to be home,” he added.
The 7-foot-3 also held a meet and greet and gave away jerseys to the delight of the fans ahead of the much-anticipated basketball showpiece.
After moving to the Japan B.League from the Australian National Basketball League, the 21-year-old was included in the Orlando Magic’s roster where he made his NBA Summer League debut for.
Wherever the Filipino baller goes and especially back home, the support has never failed to reach him which is why Sotto is looking forward to making the country proud as Gilas open its campaign against Dominican Republic on Aug. 25 at the Philippine Arena.
“Siyempre extra energy iyan sa akin and motivation to push myself knowing that there are a lot of people watching and supporting me. It’s also a challenge na I have to do whatever it takes to do my best and make them proud,” he said.
