Sotto is on the road to recovery and is raring to play.
The Kai Sotto sage continues to cast a cloud on Gilas Pilipinas’ preparations for the FIBA World Cup, with coach Chot Reyes recently deflecting questions about the 7-foot-3 beanpole.
"I think that's a better question to ask of him rather than me," Reyes earlier told News5's Martie Bautista when asked about the status of Sotto, who has not participated in any Gilas practice yet as he continues to rehab his ailing back—an injury he suffered while chasing his NBA dream over the past few months.
When asked by sports analyst Quinito Henson in his Playitright TV podcast about his plans for Gilas, the 21-year-old categorically affirmed his commitment to playing for the national team in the FIBA World Cup.
“I’m committed to play for the national team, kahit anong mangyari,” Sotto told Henson. “Every day, I’m getting better, and I should be okay [for the FIBA World Cup].”
And it appears Sotto’s Gilas brothers believe him, with veteran Kiefer Ravena previously telling Bautista that the young big man really wants to play for the Philippines but is unfortunately still dealing with his back injury.
Sotto, of course, had previously played for Gilas while still hurting, and he made it a point to share it in Henson’s podcast.
“I remember two days before leaving to play Lebanon in the FIBA World Cup Asia qualifiers last year, I had a swollen ankle but I played through it,” Sotto recalled. “That’s sacrifice for our country.”
Indeed it is. But time seems to be running out. And with
injuries continuing to be a problem for Gilas, getting a healthy, committed Sotto is sure to be a big boost for the national team.