Gilas Pilipinas standout and National Basketball Association prospect Kai Sotto has been prevented from undergoing any basketball activity for the next month, this after he suffered a hyperextended knee injury.
This means the 7-foot-3 center will be doubtful in joining the Gilas squad that will be competing in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia from July 2 to 7.
Kai’s dad, former PBA player Ervin Sotto, confirmed to Pinoystep.com that his son just underwent check up and MRI the past week and the second generation cager has been prevented to have any basketball-related activity for the next month.
“Kailangan pa magpahinga ni Kai kasi na-injured siya nung last game niya,” wrote the elder Sotto via Messenger. “Nothing major, though.”
Aside from his doubtful status in Gilas, the younger Sotto might also be prevented from joining the NBA training camp invites from different teams.
There were unconfirmed reports that Sotto received an invitation to join the Atlanta Hawks where former PBA import Antonio Lang is serving as an assistant coach.
But even Kai’s NBA aspirations might be halted as well following the latest injury incurred by the Yokohama B-Corsairs big man.
“Tatamaan kasi yung schedule ng mga mini-camps, kaya di siya makakapunta,” added the elder Sotto. “Hindi pa kasi siya 100%. Hindi rin siya sure for OQT kasi ang sabi ng doctor, one month na walang basketball.”
“Pero malalaman natin after a month kung OK na pakiramdam niya. No contact drills at basketball, for now.”
Sotto’s status might be uncertain for now, leaving Gilas Pilipinas of potentially missing a quality big men in the OQT.
But AJ Edu, Sotto’s long-time front court partner in the national team program, is expected to be back soon once Gilas open their training camp at the Inspire Academy in Laguna.
He is now close to recovery from a meniscus tear injury while playing for the Toyama Grouses in the Japan B. League.
The 6-foot-10 Filipino-Cypriot became an integral part of the Gilas future following a promising stint with the national team where he helped Filipinos in last year’s FIBA World Cup campaign.
But there’s another big man who had expressed interest of returning to the Gilas program — seven-foot center Greg Slaughter.
Slaughter is back in the country after signing up with the Manila Stars in the MPBL where he is reunited with former Gilas teammate Rabeh Al-Hussaini.
He has reaffirmed his commitment with the national team and remained open to the opportunity of playing for Gilas if ever he’ll be given the chance.
“I’ve been very vocal when it comes to my position with the national team,” said Slaughter. “I’m always open. I’ve been there since 2009 and anytime that they would like to have me, I’m more than willing to play.”
