The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) reiterated its full support for Kai Sotto after the 7-foot-3 Filipino big man mutually parted ways with his NBA G League team Ignite.

G League on Tuesday, February 23 announced the development, which meant Sotto will not be reuniting with Ignite in the ongoing season held at the Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

“The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas will always be 100% behind Kai Sotto as he pursues his NBA dream,” SBP president Al Panlilio said in a statement.

“Although we are saddened with the recent announcement that he will no longer be rejoining Ignite in the NBA G League, we still wish Kai all the best and we will support him in any way we can.”

The breakup came after Sotto decided to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas in the third and final window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers despite its schedule coinciding with the G League season.

Sotto arrived in the country early in February but he eventually came back to the United States following the postponement of the third window as Qatar pulled out as host.

A week into his US return, though, Sotto still had not joined Ignite and the G League broke the stunning news.

“When Kai announced via social media that he wanted to come home to play for Gilas Pilipinas Men, we welcomed him with open arms because he’ll always have a home with us at the SBP,” Panlilio said.

“The same is true for any Filipino basketball player chasing their dreams on the international stage. Whatever may happen to their respective paths, they can always be sure that the SBP will be there to provide them a stage where they could perform for their Filipino fans.”

It is still unknown where Sotto will take his talents next, but the SBP said it has full trust on the 18-year-old.

“Even at his young age, Kai has shown amazing grit and determination to pursue his dreams and we have complete trust that he’ll do us proud,” Panlilio said. – Rappler.com