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Kai Sotto reiterates commitment to Gilas Pilipinas
Luisa Morales (Philstar.com) – December 18, 2020 – 9:15 am
MANILA, Philippines – Kai Sotto once again demonstrated his commitment and loyalty to represent the Philippines in the middle of his journey to the NBA.
In a recorded message shown during Thursday’s FIBA-Smart association press conference, Sotto announced his continued dedication to the national team.
“I will officially join Gilas, the Philippine national team,” declared Sotto.
“I really want to be with my former teammates and PBA players that I used to idolize. Together with them, I hope that we will do our best and bring glory to our country.”
Sotto, 18, vowed to continue his one-year program with the Ignite NBA G League team in Walnut Creek, California.
When it was clarified whether the statement blocked Sotto’s participation for Gilas in the February window of the 2021 FIBA Asian Cup qualifiers, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas program director Tab Baldwin approached it with reserved optimism.
“Obviously this is the first step and we are going to bring it in … We strongly believe that would be for February, but there are still ongoing discussions,” Baldwin said.
“We are all looking forward to welcoming Kai back to Gilas’s fold … I am very excited to hear that he is passionate as well.”
Baldwin previously said that Sotto’s season with Gilas Pilipinas would depend on his availability and the whiz kid’s schedule with Team Ignite.
Sotto also previously confirmed to the media that, if the schedule allows, he will play for the nationals in the third window of the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Clark, Pampanga will host Gilas Pilipinas and the rest of Group A, and Group C in February in a bubble created together with Japan, Qatar and Bahrain.
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