Kai Sotto is set to join Gilas Pilipinas in their upcoming campaigns heading into the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
The 18-year-old made the announcement during the Global Partnership Virtual Press Conference between the International Basketball Federation and SMART Communications.
“I am officially joining Gilas. I’m looking forward to joining my idols in the PBA and in college,” said the 7-foot-2 player of G League Ignite.
“Sobrang special nito dahil ang Pilipinas ang co-host ng World Cup.”
Sotto missed the second window of the 2020 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in Manama, Bahrain due to his commitment with the G League.
It remains unknown if Sotto will be able to join Gilas for the Qualifiers’ Clark bubble in February.
“At this point, you’ve heard Kai and said that he is going to be available. We are going to get him in and we would like to believe that that would be for the February window,” said Gilas program director Tab Baldwin.
“We all can’t wait to bring him in the Gilas fold. Watch these coming days and we will be having an announcement about this.”
Sotto last joined Gilas as a pool member for the fifth window of the World Cup Qualifiers.
He has led Batang Gilas to both the Under-17 and Under-19 World Cups.
For this opportunity, he is grateful to be able to return to the national team.
“Special thanks to MVP, Al Panlilio, and the whole SBP group. Ito ay sobrang laking bagay para sa pamilya ko,” he said.
“Thank you rin kay MVP, Al Panlilio, at Jude Turcuatro sa pagsali sa akin sa Gilas.”
