Kai Sotto commits to play for Gilas in FIBA OQT, Asia Cup

Kai Sotto reaffirmed his commitment to Gilas Pilipinas, even as he begins a new stint with the Adelaide 36ers of Australia's National Basketball League (NBL).

Sotto on Wednesday said he would play for the Philippine team in both the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) and the FIBA Asia Cup.

"We all know that when they say Kai Sotto, they always say that he's the kid who plays for his country," Sotto said in Filipino during an interview organized by Smart on Wednesday.

"That really is my goal, to represent my country in any way possible. Playing for the national team is the top goal for any basketball player or any athlete of their country," he added.

Sotto had previously joined Gilas' preparations for what was supposed to be the final window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers last February. That window, though, was pushed back.

Gilas Pilipinas program director Tab Baldwin praised Sotto's passion for playing for the national team and said they will be working with the 18-year old's team regarding his schedule.

Jeff van Groningen, team manager of Sotto's new club team in the NBL, said they are also used to integrating the schedule of national team players such as Sotto.

With a lot of basketball waiting for him, Sotto said that for now, he will just continue focusing on his development.

"Everything is fresh, with the things that have just been announced. I'm still in the process of adjusting but after all of it, I'm still here focusing on my training in Miami. Whatever happens in the next few days, I'll prepare for it." —JMB, GMA News