Kai Sotto, who remained in quarantine since he arrived in the country last February 2, said he has gained a lot of confidence with his game over the last two years.
The 7’3” Sotto believes the opportunities he gained since joining NBA G League Team Ignite contributed a lot in how he plays basketball.
“Ang daming nagbago sa buhay ko. Maraming opportunities ang dumarating sa akin at sa aking family. Pagdating sa basketball, tumaas ang confidence ko sa sarili ko,” said the 18-year-old Sotto.
Sotto is back in the country, and talked about his desire to play for the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team in a podcast.
Gilas is currently training inside a bubble in Calamba, Laguna.
And members of the national squad will leave for the third and final window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers this Sunday for Doha.
For the last nine day, Sotto has been working out inside his hotel room until he has completed time in quarantine.
“Iyung two years ko sa US, are the biggest two years of improvement para sa akin,” said Sotto.
Sotto is now part of an elite prospects program that’s now under coach Brian Shaw.
He is playing alongside teammates Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Isaiah Todd and Daishen Nix, promising players who are among the top prospects in the coming rookie draft of the NBA.
Sotto was supposed to play for Team Ignite in the opening games NBA G League season in Orlando, Florida.
But, he decided to skip his stint with Team Ignite, in favor of playing for Gilas.
Gilas is scheduled to play on February 18 against Korea.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio said he salutes Sotto for his decision to take part in the coming Gilas campaign.
“He has very good basics. He still has to grow. He is only 18 years old, but he is a great future for Philippine basketball,” said Panlilio.