Kai Sotto Arrives Home

On Tuesday, Kai Sotto finally made his much-awaited homecoming in time for the third window of the 2021 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup qualifiers later this month. 

The 18-year old prodigy is set to undergo a mandatory quarantine procedure that could last up to seven days before he can join Gilas Pilipinas inside the Calamba training bubble. That, if he tests negative for 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). 

While the hype surrounding Sotto finally joining the men's national team remains high, Samahang  Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio has a reminder to everyone: "He'll be a great addition. He's improved a lot for sure but you know, he's also just 18 years old,"

On Tuesday morning, Panlilio spoke during the online Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) forum where the SBP president reminded everyone to temper down their expectations on Sotto's upcoming stint with Gilas Pilipinas.

"We can't put too much pressure on him. He's the future of Philippine basketball for sure but he's also developing as a player, as a person," Panlilio added.

Al Panlilio also mentioned that Sotto's development will play an important role for the national team especially with the 2023 FIBA World Cup fast approaching. 

“Long term in 2023 hopefully, he will be an important piece of that team in the World Cup that we’re hosting,” he noted.

The SBP president concluded, "Let’s not put too much pressure on him. He’s already pressured enough for sure. I think he’s pressuring himself to do well, all of us want to do well but let’s just support him in his journey,”

Gilas Pilipinas is set to fly for Doha, Qatar for the final installment of the 2021 Asia Cup qualifiers where the nationals will face Korea twice and will also play against Indonesia. Gilas only needs one more win to secure a spot in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup to be played this coming August.  

Photo is from the Manila Times