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Kai Sotto looks forward to joining Gilas Pilipinas when the February window of the 2021 FIBA Asian Cup Qualifiers rolls around.
At a press conference hosted by G League Ignite early Thursday morning, the 18-year-old expressed his intention to be a part of the nationals when he faces South Korea twice and Indonesia.
“To be honest it’s a higher probability in the next windoww, ”he said.
“But it depends on the schedule.”
Last month, Sotto and the rest of Ignite – namely Jalen Green, Daishen Nix, Isaiah Todd, Jonathan Kuminga and Princepal Singh – were called up to train in Walnut Creek, California. They were reinforced by veteran players Brandon Ashley, Bobby Brown, Cody Demps, Reggie Hearn and Amir Johnson.
Singh had to leave Ignite as he prepared for India in Qualifiers. Sotto, however, stayed.
“Prince is a very good friend of mine and I said, ‘Prince, do your best to represent your country.’
“I also told him that I am jealous because I have not played in the men’s team yet.”Said Sotto, who was an integral part of Gilas Youth, leading the team to the U-17 and U-19 World Cups.
Sotto was also part of the group during the fifth window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
Despite not being able to join the Gilas Cadets in Manama, Sotto made sure to watch both games against Thailand.
“I saw some of the highlights and I am very proud of what they have shown,Sotto said. “Everyone, from the players to the coaching staff, was not from the professionals.
“It’s really exciting to see the future, and that shows a brighter future for the country when it comes to playing international tournaments.”
However, Sotto joins Gilas in February still not a lock.
“We could have a G League season next year so it depends on the schedule.”
