Kai Sotto’s Gilas stint postponed after FIBA cancellation

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Kai Sotto won’t be spending too much time here in the Philippines and has decided to fly back to the US.

After health officials from Doha, Qatar called for the cancellation of all events due to the recent Covid-19 spike, the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers will no longer take place.

In a quick turn of events, Sotto and his camp have decided that they will go back to the US and rejoin with his NBA G League team Ignite.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Director for Operations Butch Antonio first disclosed the development, “Right now, the plan is to have him go back,” said Antonio.

The whole PH basketball community has been waiting for the highly-anticipated debut of Sotto for the men’s national team after getting the nod of the NBA G league officials.

It was confirmed that Sotto will be flying to reinforce Gilas after posting a video on his social media account Instagram that brought a different kind of energy to Pinoy hoops fans.

With no definite timetable yet for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers tournament, Antonio stated that it would be better for Sotto to go back and pursue his NBA dream.

“Nag-pullout na siya sa bubble. He has to continue his quarantine in his 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 siya sa team niya na Ignite. Hopefully by next week, maayos na yun,” Antonio added.