FOR Gilas big man Kai Sotto, there's no place like home.
READ: Kai Sotto finally cleared for full-contact basketball
Shortly over a month since his NBA Summer League debut with the Orlando Magic, the 7-foot-3 standout felt relieved to be back home in his first public appearance as sports brand PUMA's global ambassador.
Sotto shared his thoughts on playing without added pressure in front of Filipino fans during PUMA's 'Our Ball Above All' pre-basketball season pep rally at Glorietta Activity Center on Saturday.
"It’s good. I mean, home is home. Every time I play sa bansang ‘to, sobrang happy ako lumaro. Walang pressure at sobrang enjoy lang. It’s good to be home," Sotto said.
With the nation right behind him and the Gilas wards ahead of the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup in a week's time, Sotto was immensely grateful for what he deemed as much-needed "extra energy and extra motivation."
"Siyempre, extra energy 'yun sa'kin. Extra motivation to push myself knowing na there's always a lot of people watching and supporting me," the Japan B. League star said.
"Blessing din 'yan and it's also a challenge that I have to do whatever it takes to do my best and make them proud," he added.
The global showpiece tips off on Aug. 25 in which Gilas will launch its home World Cup run against Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
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