Question now lingers on when Kai Sotto can join Gilas Pilipinas for their final preparation for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Disaster struck the 7-foot-3 Filipino big man on Sunday morning (Manila time) during Orlando’s final NBA Summer League game against Boston.
During the game, Sotto experienced some back spasms that limited him to just eight minutes in the contest — all in the first half.
According to Sotto, the pain in his back was unbearable, leading him to sit out the rest of the game.
“Nagpa-check na din ako sa doctor and nagpa-X-ray, buti wala naman masama,” Sotto told TJ Manotoc of ABS-CBN News.
“Iyon lang, medyo matagal ko ng iniinda ito eh, simula noong sa Japan pa ako.
“Pero para sa akin, kapag kaya ko ilaro, nilalaro ko naman,” he continued.
Sotto had never stopped playing and grinding since last year.
During his final year with Adelaide in NBL-Australia, Sotto played a total of 30 games — including three Blitz contests.
Immediately after his contract with the 36ers ended, the second-generation cager immediately flew to Japan to join Hiroshima in the B.League.
With the Dragonflies, Sotto added 24 more games to his ledger.
(C) B.League
Sotto also played four games for Gilas Pilipinas during that stretch.
He cited that it’s the wear and tear of the year that might have led to his injury.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas was expecting Sotto to arrive in the country on Tuesday to join Gilas.
Gilas are preparing for their final pocket tournament before the global meet.
In China, Gilas will face Lebanon, Iran, and Senegal.
However, Sotto shared that he still has no timetable for when he can arrive.
“I don’t know, mahirap sabihin. Kasi simula last year, tuloy-tuloy laro ko. Wala akong break para ipahinga katawan ko,” he shared.
“Aalagaan ko muna likod ko at magre-rehab ako as soon as I get back. So we’ll see.”
