CHICAGO -- Great coaches, the ones that have the gems to back their words, usually speak in measured tones.
Deliberate. Insightful. And almost always diplomatic.
While talking to CNN Philippines' Sports Desk about the ongoing inability of Kai Sotto to join Gilas Pilipinas practices on Thursday night, coach Chot Reyes was a leaking faucet of information.
A known motivational speaker, Reyes made sure not to leave his manners in the locker room. But the nine-time PBA champion and six-time Coach of the Year was done playing nice in the interview room.
After revealing that Sotto had already "signed on" to play for our national team in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Reyes lamented his frustrations on the 7-foot-3 center's non-participation in practices.
"Yes, he is here. He showed up for a couple practices but today he did not come. His handlers are telling us that he needs to rest because there is an issue with his lower back."
And in his gentle yet disapproving tone, Reyes went on to -- for a lack of a better term -- doubt the severity and authenticity of Kai's injury.
WHERE ARE THE MRI RESULTS OF KAI SOTTO?
"So we are pretty much waiting at this point because when our team doctor took a look, functionally and structurally, he did not find anything wrong. But apparently, they took an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and we are waiting to get a copy of the results up to this point so that our doctors can assess," Reyes explained.
I reached out to both East West Private and Wasserman Sports, Kai's handlers, for comment. But both entities did not respond as of posting time.
Separately, I asked the Orlando Magic if an MRI or an x-ray was taken after Kai complained of back spasms in the team's Summer League game against the Boston Celtics last July 15 in Las Vegas.
A team executive, who wished to stay anonymous, told me via text message: "Nothing I'm aware of."
Which doesn't mean Sotto did not have these tests taken. It only proves that such procedures, assuming they were indeed done, were administered through Kai's handlers, which then translates that they would have copies should they wish to share it.
While Reyes was on the air at CNN, a source from the Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas (SBP) told SPIN.ph that federation president Al Panlilio hasn't affixed his counterpart signature on the deal amid concerns on Kai's supposed request to take two weeks off for physical therapy.
"It's absurd," the SBP official said while emphasizing that Sotto's contract has a stipulation for him to take part in practice "no later than July 24.
BLAME GAME
As of late, the articles I have written about Kai have been glowing to a point that many of our readers have accused me of being a "cheerleader" and a "hype man."
It would not be the case this time.
Much as we wouldn't mind Chot bending over backwards and givimg Kai that extra leeway, the World Cup is 28 days away and Gilas must know right now whether or not he can play so that Gilas can plan accordingly.
In a team setting, a tradition honored since time immemorial, a star player's needs cannot supersede the welfare of his 11 teammates.
Often, I have wailed against sports bodies and athletes who genuflect at the altar of public opinion to beg for support but refuse to provide the transparency reporters need to do their jobs to correctly relay the news.
Here's Chot providing a refreshing whiff of clarity.
When things go sideways at Gilas, the blame automatically falls on the burdened shoulders of the SBP like a delightful pile of rubble.
Where should the blame fall on this Kai-Gilas standoff?
You be the judge.
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