The 7-foot-3 center is coming off a less than ideal stint in the NBA Summer League.
Kai Sotto was supposed to join Gilas Pilipinas on Tuesday as its preparation for the FIBA World Cup continues. The 21-year-old big man, however, wasn’t able to attend practice, and his return to the national team was rescheduled. This seems to be a cause for concern for Gilas but the squad’s veteran playmaker Kiefer Ravena remains optimistic.
“Hoping lang na he [Sotto] can arrive as soon as possible, [para] ma-implement siya sa system,” the Phenom said in a media scrum during the training session.
“Hindi naman masyadong mahirap 'yun kasi si Kai matalino naman na bata, matalinong player,” he added.
Another reason why Ravena is confident about Sotto’s reintegration to Gilas is the latter’s conditioning brought by his stint in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
“’Yung physical condition niya, he might even be better than us kasi, Summer League ‘yun. To get there, you really have to be in awesome shape."
Before arriving in the Philippines, Sotto took part in the NBA Summer League as a member of the Orlando Magic. He played sparingly in the preseason showcase but made the most out of the minutes he was given. That being said, he suffered an injury in his final game with the Magic, which may have contributed to his absence on Tuesday.
According to Ravena, health is the only thing he’s worried about when it comes to his fellow Japan B.League Asian import.
“I’m just worried about his health, kung mapapagod siya o exhausted ba or ‘yung trip, factors that may come in play,” said the Shiga Lakes star.
Chot Reyes and his wards will play a pocket tournament in China from August 2-6. Needless to say, it would be a huge boost for Gilas if Sotto would be fully ready to suit up by then.