FILE–Kai Sotto in his Gilas Pilipinas debut. FIBA ASIA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—It’s unlikely that center Kai Sotto will join the Philippines in its campaign in the February window of the 2023 Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio said Friday.
Panlilio said Sotto still has a commitment with the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League in Australia and wouldn’t be able to join the national team once competition starts on February 24.
Sotto, however, is expected to be part of the Gilas team that will compete in the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup, which the Philippines share hosting duties with Indonesia and Japan.
“Maybe not for the February window because he has commitments in Australia but definitely, we’d like Kai to be part of the world cup team in 2023,” said Panlilio in a virtual press conference.
The 7-foot-3 Sotto is slowly easing into his life in the NBL averaging 8.6 points and 4.4 rebounds for the 4-6 36ers who sit at the eighth spot of the 10-team league.
“If we can bring him in, it’s a big plus to the team. But happy to see his development, I hope he can continue to develop and yes, I’m happy for Kai,” said Panlilio.