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Kai Sotto renews vow to join Gilas Pilipinas ahead of 2023 FIBA World Cup
Filipino hoops sensation Kai Sotto renewed his commitment to Gilas Pilipinas ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which will be hosted by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.
Sotto said he is "officially joining Gilas Pilipinas" in a virtual press conference with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Thursday.
"I'm really looking forward na makasama ulit ang aking former teammates and ang mga PBA players na iniidolo ko dati pa," said the 7-foot-2 big man, who is now based in the United States.
Sotto said committing to the national team is special for him, especially with the country hosting basketball's biggest event in three years.
"Together with them, I hope we play our best and bring glory to our country," said the former Batang Gilas stalwart.
SBP program director Tab Baldwin welcomed Sotto's willingness to represent the country.
"We all can't wait to welcome Kai back into the Gilas fold and take the next step forward toward 2023 with him," he said.
Sotto is currently training with NBA G League select team Ignite, along with other top basketball prospects Daishen Nix, Isaiah Todd, Jonathan Kuminga, Princepal Singh, and Fil-Am Jalen Green.
It is not clear if Sotto will play in the next games of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers scheduled in February, but Baldwin hopes the 18-year-old will be available for the said window.
"We have every belief that that will be for February, but there are still discussions ongoing and you know, everybody is hopeful," he said.
In a separate media availability session on December 10, Sotto said he has "higher chances" of joining Gilas in the February window, but it depends on the G League schedule.
The Philippines will host two groups of the third window of the continental qualifiers, with the FIBA bubble to be set up in Clark, Pampanga.
Gilas Pilipinas currently has a 3-0 card in the Asian qualifiers.
As one of the hosts of the 2023 World Cup, the country is assured of a slot in the tournament. —Justin Kenneth Carandang/MGP, GMA News
