After much anticipation and uncertainty, Filipino NBA prospect Kai Sotto is finally arriving home this Tuesday, February 2, as Gilas Pilipinas gears up for the final 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifying window in Doha, Qatar.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio provided the update Tuesday morning, during the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association online forum.
“He boarded the plane yesterday. He’s arriving today in Manila,” Panlilio said. “I just hope he didn’t miss his connecting flight since his departure was delayed. As of the moment, I know he’s arriving if not this afternoon, this evening.”
Accompanied by his father Ervin, the 18-year-old wunderkind will undergo a mandatory 5- to 7-day quarantine period before immediately going inside the Inspire Sports Academy “Calambubble” in Laguna to practice with his Gilas kuyas.
“The sooner he can really come in, the better,” Panlilio continued. “He needs to understand the system they are trying to play and run. He needs to get a better sense of his teammates, and he can only do that if he’s able to practice.”
Sotto’s sudden decision to delay his February G League debut with Ignite in order to represent the country in the final window has been a hot topic recently, with fans split on whether or not his commitment to the national team is necessary at this time.
However, Panlilio is positive that Sotto’s exposure to international competition can only help the young cager in his long-term plans, and that coaches Tab Baldwin and Jong Uichico will push him into game shape under Gilas moving forward.
“I heard Coach Tab is pushing them very hard and getting them ready,” Panlilio said. “You know how he and Jong conduct practices. They’re happy with the way the team is developing. They’re playing hard and ready to go.”
Gilas is set to compete in Doha from February 18 to 22, a full week after the G League season begins inside the Disney World bubble in Orlando, Florida. – Rappler.com
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