Kai Sotto set to return to US after Doha cancellation, says SBP official

Filipino hoops sensation Kai Sotto is set to return to the United States after the cancellation of the Doha bubble of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Director for Operations Butch Antonio on Saturday said they are working out and talking to Sotto's team in the US for the 18-year old's return.

"Well right now the plan is to have him go back. We're trying to make things [work out] kasi nag-pull out na siya sa bubble," Antonio said in an interview with Radyo 5's Power and Play.

"He has to continue his quarantine sa kanyang residence. We're working with him and his group in the US to make sure that there is time for him to join his team at makasali rin siya sa team sa G League na Ignite. Hopefully by next week, maayos na 'yun," he added.

While Sotto will not join Gilas in the upcoming window, Antonio lauded him for his commitment to the national team.

"He made it clear that every time, basta kailangan siya ng ating bayan, hindi niya tatanggihan at hindi niya tatalikuran ang kaniyang obligasyon para i-represent ang ating bayan to be part of the national team, which is very commendable, as far as the way we should look at Kai," Antonio said.

Sotto's team in the US, NBA G League team Ignite, is currently playing inside a bubble in Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida.

Due to the conflicting schedule of the FIBA window and the Ignite games, Sotto was not able to join the first few games of his team.

"It may be a setback for his Ignite career, understandably so. Pero dapat tingnan ng tao dito is that it is really a sacrifice. You have to give it to him. 'Yung kanyang commitment, whether natuloy 'yung Doha or hindi, he was here. He made sure na 'yung kanyang promise, pag may promise tinutupad niya," Antonio said.

Sotto returned to Manila on February 2 to join Gilas Pilipinas in preparation for the continental qualifiers.

Qatar on Friday cancelled its hosting of the continental qualifiers due to the coronavirus situation in their country.

However, less than 24 hours after Qatar's announcement, FIBA said the Philippines is chosen again to host a FIBA bubble. —JCB, GMA News