Kai Sotto leaving PHL to chase NBA dream

Batang Gilas standout Kai Sotto is leaving the Philippines to chase his dream to play in the National Basketball Association, he announced via his Instagram account on Monday.

Sotto, 16, reportedly received offers from several European clubs including Real Madrid, which produced rising NBA stars Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic.

"I'll be leaving soon to start training full-time," said the UAAP Juniors Most Valuable Player. "I want to devote the next two to three years to single-mindedly focus on my goal of joining the NBA by 2021 or 2022."

With a height of 7-foot-1, the Ateneo junior high star is the country's best chance to see a homegrown Filipino basketball player in the NBA.

"I will train very hard and sacrifice and focus in the next few years so that one day soon, you will be very proud of me," Sotto said.

Sotto didn't confirm where he would go for his training, but he assured Filipino fans that he will dedicate his development for the national team.

"Para po ito sa future ko, ng pamilya ko, at especially po, para sa Batang Gilas, Gilas Pilipinas, at higit sa lahat, para sa bayan!" he said.

"Sana po all of you will support me and pray for me. I will strive very hard to never let you down." — RSJ, GMA News