Gilas-bound Sotto shares vast improvement in basketball after US stay

MANILA, Philippines — Kai Sotto is ready to share a vastly improved version of himself following his experience in the US.

Raring to join Gilas Pilipinas in training in preparation for the third window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers later this month, Sotto plans to bring his A Game to the court.

"Yung two years ko sa US was probably the biggest two years of improvement para sa akin," said Sotto on online show Puso Pilipinas.

"Sobrang daming nagbago sa buhay ko, sobrang daming opportunities na dumating sa akin... Pagdating sa basketball, tumaas lalo yung confidence ko," he continued.

Since going to the US, Sotto has been able to experience top-of-the-line coaching, first in Atlanta-based club The Skill Factory, then with NBA-caliber coaches and teammates in Team Ignite.

The 7'3" wunderkind, however, knows there is still much to improve on -- both in his physical and mental game if he wants to reach his NBA dream.

"More of being more aggressive and getting stronger kasi yun lang naman talaga yung kulang ko," said Sotto of what he continues to work on as time goes on.

"Tinutulungan din ako ng mga trainers and coaches ko from a mental standpoint, hindi lang physically pero mentally rin," he continued.

Sotto is set to reinforce Gilas in the qualifiers set to tip off in Doha, Qatar starting February 18 before returning to the US to continue his grind to become the first-ever Filipino in the NBA.

The 18-year-old's teammates in Team Ignite are set to begin their NBA G League season in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time).