NBA prospect Kai Sotto once again reiterated his commitment to Gilas Pilipinas as concerns about his availability for the FIBA World Cup arose over the past couple of weeks.
The 7’3 center missed Gilas’ ongoing pocket tournament in China due to back issues. In an interview with PlayitRight TV, Sotto said that Filipino fans have no need to worry about his loyalty to the national team.
“Basketball-wise, I’m happiest kapag naglalaro ako for my national team,” Sotto said in the interview. “Proven na ‘yan, 15 pa lang ako, naglaro na ako sa 16-, 17-Under team, hanggang Under-18, 19.”
“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,” the NBA prospect added.
Sotto clarified that he is not using his back injury as an excuse to miss Gilas practice and tune-up games.
“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 recalled.
“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,” Sotto added. (MJD)
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