Kai Sotto set to attend Gilas practice, still uncertain on China pocket tournament

Kai Sotto will attend his first Gilas Pilipinas training session on Monday.

Together with his sister, the 7-foot-3 center graced the final day of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena on Sunday, July 30.

“Bukas, may training bukas, punta ako bukas,” Sotto said during an ambush interview with reporters.

Sotto arrived in Manila last Tuesday but he has yet to join the national team’s FIBA World Cup preparations.

The 21-year-old center is looking forward to joining the squad but is still recovering from a sore back he sustained during an NBA Summer League stint with the Orlando Magic.

“Always excited. Ako naman, hinihintay ko lang talaga na mag-heal ang likod ko dahil gusto ko ng 100% pagdating sa mga games. Hinihintay ko lang talaga, nag-rehab ako and everything. So sana pagdating ng World Cup, ok na, 100 percent na,” said Sotto.

Sotto revealed that he is still uncertain if he’ll join Gilas in the China pocket tournament as he’ll only be updated on his status after Monday’s practice.

“Di ko pa sure. Pag-uusapan bukas after practice,” Sotto said.

“Last communication namin (with coach Chot), sabi ko magpa-practice ako kahit na may iniinda pa rin ako sa likod. At least, I’ll still be there and gawin kung ano ang makakaya ko,” he added.

The 2023 FIBA World Cup is set in Manila, Japan and Indonesia from August 25 to September 10.