Kai Sotto is hoping to join Gilas Pilipinas when the February window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers rolls around.
In a media conference organized by G League Ignite, early Thursday morning, the 18-year-old expressed his intention to be part of the nationals when it takes on South Korea twice and Indonesia.
“To be honest, it’s a higher probability in this coming window,” he said.
“But it depends on the schedule.”
Last month, Sotto and the rest of Ignite — namely Jalen Green, Daishen Nix, Isaiah Todd, Jonathan Kuminga, and Princepal Singh — were called up to train in Walnut Creek, California. They were reinforced by veteran players Brandon Ashley, Bobby Brown, Cody Demps, Reggie Hearn, and Amir Johnson.
Singh had to leave Ignite as he suited up for India in the Qualifiers. Sotto, however, stayed.
“Prince is a really good friend of mine and I told him, ‘Prince, do your best to represent your country.’
“I also told him I’m jealous because I haven’t played in the men’s national team yet,” said Sotto, who was an integral part of Gilas Youth, leading the team to both the Under-17 and Under-19 World Cups.
Sotto was also part of the pool during the fifth window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
Despite being unable to join the Gilas Cadets in Manama, Sotto made sure to watch both games against Thailand.
“I watched some of the highlights and I’m really proud of what they’ve shown,” said Sotto. “Everybody, from the players to the coaching staff, was not from the pros.
“It’s just really exciting to see the future, and that shows a brighter future for the country when it comes to playing international tournaments.”
Sotto joining Gilas in February is not yet a lock, though.
“We might have a G League season next year, so it just depends on the schedule.”
