Kai Sotto’s management team remains in talks with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, making him doubtful for the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers later this month at the Philippine Arena.
Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio admitted to Daily Tribune that nothing is cast in stone as far as Sotto’s commitment to play against Lebanon on 24 February and Jordan on 27 February is concerned.
Antonio said they are still talking to Sotto’s camp as the 7-foot-2 slotman remains in transition from the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League to the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B. League.
“We’re still in talks with Kai’s camp,” Antonio said in a text message.
In a separate message, SBP executive director Sonny Barrios revealed that their discussion with Sotto has yet to yield any positive outcome.
“So far, no official word from Kai regarding Window 6,” he said.
Still, with or without Sotto, Gilas will be marching to the last window with a loaded roster as they welcome the return of Japan-based cagers like Dwight Ramos, Ray Parks, and Thirdy and Kiefer Ravena in the coming week.
It’s going to be interesting how the Japan-based cagers will team up with Philippine Basketball Association stars as most of them missed the previous window due to ailments and injuries.
Kiefer underwent an operation to remove an impacted tooth while Thirdy was forced to sit out due to a contusion on his knee.
Now, they are expected to march in full force and their team up with PBA stars like six-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, reigning MVP Scottie Thompson, mainstays Japeth Aguilar, Jamie Malonzo and CJ Perez as well as young guns like Mason Amos, Carl Tamayo, and Schonny Winston is being anticipated.
Gilas coach Chot Reyes was impressed with the dedication being shown by the players, who have been training every Monday at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City.
In fact, during their previous training, players of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel like Thompson, Aguilar, Malonzo and naturalized player Justin Brownlee showed up as well as San Miguel cagers Fajardo and Perez despite their busy schedules in the PBA.
“In one hour and 15 minutes, we have already achieved the things we want to achieve for that particular training session,” Reyes said.
“We also know that we cannot push these guys hard. They’re coming off a hard game the previous day.”
Reyes also commended those who are working doubly hard by training with their respective mother teams in the morning and Gilas at night.
“These players also had practices with their respective teams. Mason Amos, for example, had a 6 to 8 p.m. practice from Ateneo, yet decided to go straight here for the Gilas session,” he said.
“We have to find the best efficiency for the short time possible.”
Aside from the stars of Ginebra, San Miguel and other amateur standouts, joining the practices regularly are Roger Pogoy and Calvin Oftana of TNT, Chris Newsome and Raymond Almazan of Meralco and Arvin Tolentino of NorthPort.
“The sacrifice everyone has to go through, it’s really for the cause,” Reyes, who is being assisted by Tim Cone, Jong Uichico and Josh Reyes, said.
“I think you’re going to see now that they are developing chemistry. That’s the thing that usually takes time.”
