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    Kai Sotto says his commitment to Gilas never once wavered

    Reassuring words from Kai Sotto amid Gilas impasse
    Aug 5, 2023
    Kai Sotto Gilas Pilipinas
    PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

    KAI Sotto reaffirmed his commitment to Gilas Pilipinas weeks before the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup, saying he never once turned his back on the national team since his days with the Philippine youth sides.

    "Basketball-wise, I'm happiest kapag naglalaro ako for my national team," said the 7-foot-3 slotman in an interview with PlayitRight TV. "Proven na 'yan, 15 pa lang ako, naglaro na ako sa 16-, 17-Under team, hanggang Under-18, 19.

    READ: Kai Sotto not joining Gilas in China trip

    "Basta suot ko yung jersey na 'yon, makapag-practice ako para sa bayan, sobrang fulfilling ng pakiramdam. Every time na may chance ako to put on that jersey, sobrang excited ako," Sotto added.

    Sotto's words were reassuring enough at a time when he missed Gilas' campaign in a pocket tournament in China amid talk of disagreements between his camp and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), from his contract to his non-availability to report for Gilas practice on time.

    kai sotto pvl games

    The 21-year old, however, said the delay was purely because of a back injury that hindered him since his final game with the Orlando Magic in the NBA Summer League - and not because of anything else.

    "All through Summer League and the (mini camps), I ws managing my back," he said. "Pagdating ng (game against) Boston, may mga plays na i-try kong gawin pero medyo alanganin and as the time went on, medyo nag-back spasm na ako.

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    "Tinry ko pa bumalik ng halftime pero di ko na kinaya. For a player that was frustrating dahil it was my last game sa Summer League, doon pa ako na-hurt."

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      The former Ateneo juniors star said his back is getting better after treatment and therapy - well enough for him to expect to be back on court to practice by next week.

      "I'm supposed to do 12 [therapy] sessions, I've done six. so slowly but surely. Hopefully by next week pwede na ko mag-step on court and do some drills," Sotto said. "Mas umokey na likod ko compared to noong nasa US pa ako."

      "I think i'll be good, I'll be okay," he said.

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      Asked if he is bothered by criticism on social media or unflattering comments from Gilas coach Chot Reyes, he said, "For me, I just focus on what I can control, and that's myself. You know, lahat ng tao alam ang nangyayari.

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      "I don't see any problem naman. i don't see what's the issue. for me i just need more time to recover to be physically and mentally ready for the World Cup. I don't really worry about what people say; that's their opinion."

      Sotto said there is no reason to doubt his commitment to the national team, pointing out that he answered the Gilas call during his time with Ignite in the NBA G League and when he was nursing an injury before an Olympic qualifier.

      "Nasa Ignite pa ako, if you remember I came home to play (for Gilas). Against Lebanon with JC (Jordan Clarkson), I sprained my ankle two days before leaving the Philippines. Namamaga pa yung ankle ko noon but I still pushed myself to play those games. It's just sacrifices I'm willing to make to play for the country," he said.

      "Never akong nag-deny na maglaro para sa country ko kasi alam ko gaano ka-importante 'yon para sa isang Pilipino na maglaro para sa national team."

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      PHOTO: Jerome Ascano
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