FEU’s Cholo Anonuevo to train in the US with Kai Sotto

Cholo Anonuevo, one of Far Eastern University’s top standouts during the recent UAAP high school basketball tournament, has chosen to further improve his basketball skills in the United States by training with NBA G League-bound Kai Sotto. 

The news was first revealed on Instagram by Anonuevo and later confirmed to Rappler by both Tamaraws head coach Olsen Racela and FEU athletic director Mark Molina, who said that the 6-foot-4 versatile forward has the university’s “full support.” 

“Yes, he is in Ohio now with East West Private,” Molina confirmed. “He will start workouts with Kai tomorrow.”

East West Private, also known as EWP, is an Atlanta, Georgia-based sports and entertainment management company which has represented Sotto since he decided to move to the United States. 

Along with Fil-Am standout Jalen Green, Sotto will be part of the G League’s new select team coached by former NBA head coach Brian Shaw, which was created as an alternative pathway for top amateur standouts to prepare for the NBA Draft in addition to college basketball in the US. 

“I believe he will undergo training there for a year and hope to possibly get an NCAA Division 1 offer,” said Molina, who added, “Or, even better, the G League, like Kai.” 

Anonuevo, a lefty, impressed basketball analysts and fans in the UAAP with his mix of size, athleticism, ball handling, shooting, and energy. He averaged a little over 9 points and 9 rebounds a game while adding nearly 4 assists and two steals with the Baby Tams. 

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In February, Anonuevo committed to join FEU’s team in the senior division.

Even if Anonuevo’s plan to play college hoops in the Philippines has been sidelined, both Molina and Racela said the promising talent still has the choice to return to Far Eastern University’s basketball program if he desires to. 

“The option to return to FEU is still there for Cholo and he is committed to return to us if he plays in the UAAP again,” said Molina, who added that EWP was “in touch with FEU from the start, which made it easier for Cholo and his family to make their decision.”

“There are actually a lot of options for him this coming year and FEU is still one of them,” said Racela. “But right now, his focus is to get better and take advantage of this opportunity that East West Private has given him.”

Molina also said that everybody in FEU, including the school’s board representative Anton Montinola, are “very proud” of Anonuevo. 

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for him and we really hope he makes it in the US.”

– Rappler.com