Kai Sotto has represented the Philippines numerous times.
At the juniors’ level, he played 14 games, leading Gilas to two World Cups. With the men’s team, he already made five appearances.
His fifth — and possibly sixth — cap though will be extra special.
The 7-foot-3 big man who plays for Adelaide will be playing alongside Utah’s Jordan Clarkson for the very first time in his career.
“Exciting. Bihira tayo makapagkampi sa isang NBA player na high-level basketball player tulad ni Jordan,” Sotto told One News.
“Makakatulong yun para sa atin and we will make sure na magiging exciting and magiging maganda ang laro.”
Carl Tamayo shared the same excitement as his good pal Sotto, saying that the two of them will be better after this window.
“Being able to practice with the best players sa Pilipinas, sina Kai and Jordan Clarkson, siyempre sobrang blessed and grateful,” said Tamayo, who already has 10 caps to his name.
“Madami akong natutunan galing sa kanila.”
Gilas will face Lebanon in Zouk Mikael on August 26 (Manila time) before hosting Saudi Arabia in Pasay City on the 29th.