Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Kai Sotto, overseas imports make stand: ‘This has to stop’


Heated has been the debate regarding the ongoing exodus of Filipino players to overseas leagues for the past week.

During a Senate meeting with officials from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the Philippine Basketball Association last Monday, it was raised that the “poaching” of players is affecting both the local league and the national team.

The PBA’s board of governors, in full force, even met with their Japan B.League counterparts last Friday to lay down the league’s rules on player transfers.

But on Saturday, the players started speaking out. And this came at the wake of full-time Gilas player William Navarro not being able to get his letter of clearance from the SBP to complete his transfer to Seoul Samsung.

Kai Sotto, who is in his second year with Australia NBL team Adelaide, led the overseas players in wanting to see Navarro play.Kai-Sotto-on-William-Navarro Kai Sotto, overseas imports make stand: 'This has to stop' Basketball News  - philippine sports news

“I’m sorry but this is crazy. THIS HAS TO STOP. You got players who’ve been working hard and dreaming to play basketball at the highest level they can reach and we got our own people stopping us from achieving greatness.”

Navarro, 25, signed with the SBP back in 2021 after being picked by Northport in the Gilas round of the Rookie Draft. His contract runs until March, 2023.

In three years, he has only played 13 games.

Abarrientos, a good friend of Sotto and Navarro, also chimed in.RJ-Abarrientos-on-William-Navarro Kai Sotto, overseas imports make stand: 'This has to stop' Basketball News  - philippine sports news

“Really? Being an impediment to someone’s dream?” read the story of Abarrientos, who is set to play for Ulsan Hyundai Mobis.

“You all should support Filipino athletes who are playing abroad. Similar to any other profession, you’ll do what’s best for your career! They are choosing to play and strengthen their ability while representing the country.”

But it’s not just Sotto and Abarrientos who shared their thoughts on social media.

#ReadMore  NU's Epa-Rodriguez, UST's Bangayan-Carreon book UAAP 82 Girls' Beach Volley Final Four ticket

Free Market

2022-23-B.League-Kyoto-Hannaryz-Matthew-Wright Kai Sotto, overseas imports make stand: 'This has to stop' Basketball News  - philippine sports newsFormer PBA pros Matthew Wright and Greg Slaughter also went to social media to express their rights as a player to play wherever they want.

Wright, 31, played in the PBA for six years. After his contract expired last August 31, he signed with Kyoto.

And he knows that if he gets renewed for a second year, he will not be able to return to the PBA for three more years.

“Even though we might be banned we still represent Pinoy Pride wherever we go,” Wright tweeted.2022-23-B.League-Fukuoka-Greg-Slaughter Kai Sotto, overseas imports make stand: 'This has to stop' Basketball News  - philippine sports news

Meanwhile, Slaughter emphasized that it’s within their rights to sign with any league they want.

TOTAL BS and crab mentality at its highest. The PBA slammed the door on me and my family DAYS BEFORE my daughter was born. I played seven years and publicly made myself available to the NT. Respect the true ethics of the game of basketball and FAIR COMPETITION,” he said.

“I am so grateful We Filipinos have these opportunities to play and represent our country in leagues like the B.League. It is an honor to join the millions of others working as OFWs.”

Currently, there are 11 Filipinos playing in Japan, five in Korea, three in Taiwan, one in New Zealand, and one in Australia. And Sotto believes that there will be much more.

“More to come!”

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

At the tender age of 21, Kai Sotto has already experienced what most Filipino basketball players could only dream of. After leaving Ateneo High...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone is absolutely certain that Kai Sotto will dominate Asia in the years to come after witnessing the latter’s...

Basketball

Once considered the cornerstones of Gilas Pilipinas’ future, Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo, AJ Edu, and Kevin Quiambao are finally turning that dream into reality...

Basketball

In a highly anticipated comeback to the home court, Justin Brownlee, undeterred by his recent suspension, orchestrated a dazzling performance that underscored his unwavering...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas Men ushered their new era on a strong note. In the first-ever FIBA game of the Philippines under Tim Cone, Gilas torched...

Basketball

Kai Sotto is relishing the opportunity to pick the brains of Tim Cone now that he finds himself playing for the decorated mentor once...

Basketball

June Mar Fajardo is confident with the remaining bigs’ capabilities of manning the front for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers’...

Basketball

Basketball will not stop for June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez. The two are expected to join Gilas Pilipinas men on Friday during the...

Advertisement