Kai Sotto in attendance during the PVL Invitational Conference finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Kai Sotto is nearly ready to hit the hardcourt again, just in time to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas.
In an interview with Quinito Henson’s PlayItRightTV on Friday, Sotto said that the rehabilitation for his back is going well and he is nearly ready to train with Gilas Pilipinas soon for the 2023 Fiba World Cup.
“The rehab’s been going well. Slowly, my back is getting okay compared to when I was in the US so it’s way better now. I’m supposed to do 12 sessions and I already did six,” said Sotto.
“[I’ll recover] slowly but surely, [do] rehab then back on the weights, and hopefully next week step on the court to do some drills and stuff on court.”
The former Adelaide 36er, who is coming off a stint in the NBA Summer League, did not fly with the Philippine team in China for a pocket tournament in preparation for the Fiba World Cup at the end of the month.
He’s been the center of discussion in recent weeks with his decision of resting his back before completely training with Gilas.
Sotto explained that he wants to be at a hundred percent before he joins scrimmages under coach Chot Reyes.
The 7-footer’s tentative timetable for training with the national team is also at the same time as Jordan Clarkson’s expected arrival in the country next week.
While nothing is set in stone, Sotto is hoping to play tune-up games with the country before the global tilt.
“By those games, I’ll be ready and I’ll be good. Like I said these past two weeks [I’m] slowly getting better so by that time, I think I’ll be good.”
Sotto referred to the string of tune-ups Gilas will play against Montenegro and Mexico on August 20 and 21, respectively.