Still in quarantine, Kai Sotto eager to join Gilas in training bubble

MANILA, Philippines — Kai Sotto is near the tail-end of his 14-day quarantine after flying in from the US and is expected to join Gilas Pilipinas in their training bubble in Calamba.

Ten days since he landed in Manila, the 19-year-old big man can't wait to rejoin his national team teammates and possibly make his Gilas seniors debut in the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers set in Clark later this month.

"I'm just waiting for the announcement for when I'll be leaving for the national team training bubble," Sotto told STAR columnist Quinito Henson and ABS-CBN's Dyan Castellejo on PlayitRightTV on Wednesday.

"I'm ready, I'm excited and I can't wait," he added.

Sotto, who will be playing for the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian National Basketball League later this year, raved about the opportunity to play for flag and country.

Having only represented the Philippines in his stint with the youth teams, the 7'3" big man is looking forward to making waves anew — this time with his "kuyas" in the senior national team.

"It's a dream come true, it's almost a no-brainer when I have an opportunity to play for the men's national team... I've been waiting for this moment," said Sotto.

"I just kept on working and I just can't wait," he added.

Sotto has been seen working out to keep himself in condition for a possible Gilas stint in the FIBA Clark bubble despite being in quarantine.

Hostilities in the Clark bubble begin Wednesday next week with the Nationals going up against South Korea.

Doubt was cast over whether Sotto can suit up for the national team with less than a week's practice in the bubble.

However, there has been no move made yet by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to indicate Sotto's exclusion from the 12-man lineup for the pocket tournament.

Also on Gilas' schedule in the third window is Indonesia on June 18 and Korea again on June 20.