Kai Sotto says he will rejoin Gilas, but has no timetable yet

Kai Sotto during his introductory press conference with Hiroshima Dragonflies. –HIROSHIMA DRAGONFLIES

Kai Sotto reaffirmed his willingness to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas but remained noncommittal about when he will be available to join the national pool.

The 7-foot-3 center, who missed the last Fiba (International Basketball Federation) World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers window to focus on his new club in Japan, said his stint with the Hiroshima Dragonflies will not get in the way of his commitment to represent the country.

“[I]t’s the second half of the season already, the season will end probably in May,” Sotto said during his introductory press conference on Thursday. “I don’t think it will hinder my national team commitment,” he added.

Sotto, who is using his stint in Japan as a stepping stone to reviving his National Basketball Association dream, did not give anything definite about when he is rejoining the national squad, which is now reaching the latter phase of preparation for the Fiba World Cup in August.

“As I said it depends. Right now, I’m just focused on these next three months with the team, help this team make the playoffs, clinch the championship,” Sotto said. “And whatever happens after that, happens.”

The noncommittal approach may create a few wrinkles in his bid to represent the country in the global basketball showcase.

National coach Chot Reyes, who is also the Gilas Pilipinas program director, already sounded off on the possibility of naturalizing a big man to move on from Sotto.