CHICAGO - After a quick visit on home soil, Kai Sotto is back in Japan, a world away from the noise of a Fiba window.
The tug to play against New zealand and Australia pulled him like a magnet.
But with a recently repaired torn ACL, discretion prevailed over valor.
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“Kai is focused on getting stronger and playing well for the Koshigaya Alphas,” Sotto’s management team told me on Tuesday.
His management team also belied the notion that Kai is “preserving” himself for an NBA contract.
"NOT TRUE," THEY SAID.
What’s imperative is steering the 23-year old center away from any injury risk.
But why play in the B.League and not for the national team?
Because Japan is where the infrastructure of his medical care is situated, making a potential mishap much easier to manage.
The greater issue is the next Fiba wars.
“Kai hasn’t committed to the July window,” his camp revealed.
By then, Kai would be, God-willing, fully healthy.
SHOW HIM THE MONEY.
Beginning in 2024, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) adopted a new “philosophy” where “the whole team will be treated equally.”
Same pay for every player in the roster.
It’s a noble idea. It’s also untenable, unsustainable.
Compensation in the workplace is gauged by an employee’s skill-set and tasks.
That’s why there are ranks in the military and positions in companies.
The SBP should not be vilified for embracing equality, but exceptions need to be made for Sotto, the best and the only irreplaceable player in the roster.
Parity doesn't apply to everyone, that's why communism is dead.
Life is not fair. Neither is basketball.
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