Kai Sotto is finally back home to join the Gilas Pilipinas campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
The 7’3″ basketball center, who is training in the United States with Team Ignite of the National Basketball Association (NBA) G-League for a chance to join the pro league as the first Philippine-born NBA player, arrived in the Philippines on February 2, 2021.
The 18-year-old UAAP Juniors MVP from Ateneo first announced in December 2020 his commitment to play for the men’s basketball national team, Gilas Pilipinas. Sotto made a follow-up social media post in January saying he was on his way home.
Sotto posted a photo of himself exiting Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the Philippines, captioning it with “Facts: Day 33 of 365 🇵🇭🙏🏼♥️”.
Sotto is expected to join other members of Gilas Pilipinas who are currently in the bubble training at Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
Gilas Pilipinas is currently first-ranked in Group A with a 3-0 record, leading teams from Korea, Indonesia, and Thailand.
The FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers window for Group A is scheduled for this February in Doha, Qatar after the Philippines’ hosting was canceled due to travel restrictions. Gilas Pilipinas plays against South Korea on February 18 and 22, and against Indonesia on February 20.
After three windows, the Top two teams from each group will qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup 2021. The six third-placed teams will advance to play a final qualifying tournament in February 2021 and the Top four from this tournament will qualify for FIBA Asia Cup 2021.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to Kai Sotto for coming home to join Gilas Pilipinas for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
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