MANILA, Philippines — Kai Sotto’s massive improvement will be put to test when he banners the Mighty Sports-Philippines contingent in the upcoming 31st Dubai International basketball tournament.
The 7-foot-2 teen prodigy recently announced his decision to reinforce the Philippine squad in the said tilt despite his busy training schedule in Atlanta for his possible US NCAA stint and NBA dreams.
“I’m super excited to be coming back to Manila next month for a week to train with the Mighty Sports team under Coach Charles Tiu,” said the 17-year-old sensation.
“Looking forward to playing as an amateur representing my country in the 31st Dubai International Basketball Championship. We are going for the gold!” he said.
Sotto will be playing as an amateur, contrary to doubts that his US NCAA eligibility – should he push through with it – could be in peril with the short club commitment for Mighty.
“Just to be clear, this will not affect his NCAA eligibility at all. He is playing as an amateur. So hold your horses before passing any judgment people,” said Tiu.
Sotto, son of ex pro-cager Ervin Sotto, is currently in the thick of his US high school basketball exposure under the Atlanta-based program The Skills Factory.
With his fine play there, the Filipino giant is already drawing some attention as he’s currently ranked No. 11 among the best centers for the possible 2020 NBA Draft Class.
He recently paid visits to top US NCAA basketball programs like University of Kentucky, Georgia Tech and DePaul.
In Mighty, Sotto will join initial members Juan and Javi Gomez de Liano from UP Maroons while the other players to complete the team remain to be announced by Tiu.
The Dubai tourney is set Jan. 23 to Feb. 1 with the Philippine representative eyeing to surpass its bronze medal finish last year.