Kai Sotto. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Not even attending to academic obligations kept Kai Sotto from playing true to form in the Philippines’ successful stint in the Fiba Under-16 Asian Championship.
Sotto was the lone player from Batang Gilas allowed to use his cellphone throughout the team’s campaign in Foshan, China as he needed to finish his school work.
The team has a no-cellphone policy during the course of the tournament to keep the players away from any distractions.
The Ateneo standout admitted it wasn’t easy having to prepare himself for the game and meet his academic requirements at the same time.
“Before Fiba Asia we learned that I have summer classes. It’s hard because after every practice and game, every night I had to ask for my cellphone and some were wondering why I’m allowed to get my phone and they’re not,” said Sotto in Filipino.
“It’s not that easy but I know that I will give everything because that’s the promise I told to myself that no matter what happens, I will give my 100 percent.”
True to his word, Sotto delivered as he averaged 16.8 points, 13.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game to lead Batang Gilas to a fourth-place finish and a spot in the Fiba U-17 Basketball World Cup.