Kai joins Nationals in final week of buildup

MANILA, Philippines — Barring any delays, Filipino teen tower Kai Sotto was scheduled to fly in last night to reinforce the Gilas Pilipinas team for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in Doha, Qatar.

The 7-foot-3 Sotto has boarded a flight from the United States and should undergo quarantine procedures upon his arrival before he is allowed to join Gilas practices.

“He will be ready to join the bubble as soon as he clears the quarantine period,” SBP president Al Panlilio told the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) online forum yesterday.

The 18-year-old Sotto has to yield a negative swab test after undergoing quarantine for five days before being cleared to enter the Gilas bubble at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.

If things go on smoothly, Sotto could train for at least a week with the Nationals before they leave for Doha for the Feb. 18-22 tourney.