CHICAGO -- Kai Sotto woke up in Riga, Latvia this morning harboring every intention to play in the semifinals versus Brazil despite nursing a bruised rib.
"He wants it as badly as everyone wants it," a member of his camp told SPIN.ph.
But about 23 minutes before tip-off at Arena Riga, Kai "ruled himself out," because the rib "hurts too much."
The Gilas medical staff has been on top of the injury with round-the-clock treatments but the pain just wouldn't allow Kai to play.
Per his camp, Sotto had the "final say" on his availability in this crucial Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Big Shoes To Fill, Figuratively
Sotto's absence will sorely be missed by Gilas Pilipinas as they faced the towering Brazilian frontline led by Bruno Caboclo and Cristiano Felicio.
In their 89-80 shocker against Latvia, Sotto had 18 points and eight rebounds, giving himself a great audition as he continues to hunt for his NBA dream.
He played less than 12 minutes in the Georgia game, scoring four points before his collision with Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze.
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