Kai Sotto to take some time off before making next move
After a brief NBA Summer League tenure with the Orlando Magic, Kai Sotto is returning to Manila.
Tony Ronzone, the agent of the 7-foot-3 Filipino basketball prodigy, stated that before he can make his next move, he will need some time to recuperate from his nearly two-year non-stop basketball journey.
“He’s fine now. It’s just back spasms. He’s okay,” said Ronzone during an interview with CNN Philippines.
“There are no issues with him. What he needs right now is to get away himself from basketball for 10 days, be with his family, and then get himself ready to go,” he added.
Sotto has played for the NBL’s Adelaide 36ers, the Japan B.League’s Hiroshima Dragonflies, and has donned the Gilas Pilipinas uniform during the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers since the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have gradually been lifted.
And despite reports that Sotto has rejoined the national team’s practices, Ronzone can only confirm that the former Atenean will be home soon.
“Out of respect to the Filipino federation and to Chot [Reyes], I’ll let them make that announcement, but he is on his way back to Manila. He loves the country and he loves the game of basketball,” he said.
“He is just a great kid and he loves your country. You have a very proud 7-foot-3 man who is flying back to Manila.”
Sotto had previously disclosed that he was still mulling over his options as he focuses on recuperating from a back injury.
As for what awaits him in the NBA, the former Dallas Maverick official stated that things are still in a state of limbo, given that the NBA Summer League jas just concluded.
“Those conversations haven’t started right now because Summer League just finished, but the biggest thing is he got put on a world stage, and he was able and willing to play,” he said.
Ronzone continued by saying that despite all the uncertainties, Sotto has a number of options to consider with regards to his ultimate objective of playing in the NBA.
“Right now he has a contract in Japan, but he also has an NBA out, two-way [contract] out, and a G-League out, those are three different options,” he said.
“All of those give him an opportunity to learn and get better, and get an opportunity to pursue his dream. We have to wait to hear from executives, but whatever it is, Kai wants to pursue his dream.”