MANILA, Philippines — Filipino basketball prospect Kai Sotto opted to return to the United States to continue his development in the NBA G League after the postponement of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, ending his brief stay with Gilas Pilipinas.
The seven-foot center had traveled back to the Philippines in early February 2021 to join the national team's preparation camp for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. Sotto was expected to be part of Gilas Pilipinas' campaign, which included scheduled games against South Korea and Indonesia.
However, plans changed when the qualifying tournament in Doha, Qatar was postponed due to rising COVID-19 cases. The postponement affected not only Gilas Pilipinas but also several other participating national teams from across Asia. As a result, Sotto's opportunity to represent the Philippines in the competition was put on hold.
Following the cancellation of the qualifiers, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) officials confirmed that Sotto would return to the United States to continue his professional development with NBA G League Ignite, a team specifically designed to prepare elite prospects for future NBA careers.
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Despite his departure, SBP officials emphasized that Sotto remained committed to representing the Philippines whenever called upon. According to the organization, the young basketball star demonstrated his willingness to serve the national team and was prepared to participate before circumstances beyond his control altered the schedule.
Before rejoining Ignite, Sotto was required to complete health and safety protocols, including quarantine requirements in both the Philippines and the United States. His return was considered important for his continued growth, as he sought to gain valuable playing time and experience in one of basketball's most competitive developmental leagues.
At the time of the report, NBA G League Ignite had started its campaign strongly, and Sotto's return was expected to bolster the team's roster as he pursued his goal of becoming one of the few Filipinos to reach the NBA.
While Filipino fans were disappointed that they would not see Sotto suit up for Gilas Pilipinas during the postponed qualifiers, many viewed his return to the United States as an important step in his long-term basketball journey. His participation in the NBA G League represented another milestone in his pursuit of becoming the first homegrown Filipino player to establish a career in the NBA.
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