CHICAGO —There won’t be any “viva” in Las Vegas for Kai Sotto this year.
According to a source, the 7-foot-3 center “did have offers” to play in the upcoming Summer League before ultimately deciding to pursue another pathway to the NBA.
Those routes include an Exhibit 10 Contract and the US NCAA.
COLUMN: Is Kai Sotto better equipped for NBA Summer League at age 24?
With the July 3 start on the Sin City event just 13 days away, there’s still a chance for Kai to make it but it’s unlikely at this point.
“Malabo na yun, especially if he is still in the Philippines. Players who get roster invites are required to join the team a week before the tournament starts,” said former PBA coach Ariel Vanguardia, who was a member of the Atlanta Hawks’ 2024 Sumner League coaching staff.
While waiting for a flight from Brisbane, Australia to New Zealand on Saturday morning, Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone told me via text message.
STILL ELIGIBLE TO PLAY.
“We’d take him in a heartbeat if we could get him down here in time, but I believe he is preparing for an upcoming NCAA season now that he is not going to the Summer League.”
Under FIBA rules, a player can be added to a game roster “within 24 hours of tip-off.”
The possibility tickles the imagination in a way where Kai, like a knight in shining armor, comes to the aid of our size-challenged squad that’s about to face heavyweights New Zealand (July 3) and Australia (July 6).
“If he decided to come now, at this moment, we’d still love to have him.” Cone added.
Unfortunately Kai’s camp doesn’t appear to share coach Tim’s enthusiasm.
When asked if Sotto would consider traveling while there’s still time, I did not get a response.
To paraphrase the great poet T.S. Elliott.: Not a bang, just a deafening silence.
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