SBP expresses full support of Kai Sotto decision to pursue NBA dream

Following 16-year-old Ateneo Blue Eaglet Kai Sotto’s announcement of leaving the Manila basketball scene to train overseas in the hopes of pursuing an international career by 2022, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) expressed their full support for the 7-foot-2 center’s decision.

The big man, who previously played for the Philippine National Team, received a message from SBP President Al Panlilio, saying, “We commend Kai for his commitment to play for Batang Gilas in the World Cup in Greece, and in future international competitions of the men’s national team, Gilas Pilipinas, including the FIBA World Cup here in 2023,” adding, “The SBP is closely coordinating with the management of Kai to ensure that all his needs are addressed and his stay in the US will be worthwhile and fruitful.” The chief concluded, “We are praying together with the rest of our country that the elusive dream of each and every one of us to have a natural-born Filipino to play in the NBA will become a reality.”

Besides his participation in the Philippine National team and the recent 2019 National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) Finals, the most recent University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 81 Most Valuable Player (MVP) is also known for leading his high school team to the Season 80 gold. This past season, he averaged 25.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.

The SBP chief wasn’t the only one to bid Sotto well wishes on his journey, but former NBA hopefuls Japeth Aguilar, Keifer Ravena, and Bobby Ray Parks expressed their support as well. “He has the talent, he has the height, and I wish him all the best. I just wish he gets put in a position as early as now to be in that line of competition,” shared Parks, while Ravena stated, “He just needs to be mentally stronger and tougher because when he gets there, he will face people with the same size or even bigger.” Aguilar agreed, assuring Kai, “It’s definitely going to be difficult and competitive, but as long as you work your butt off and surrounds yourself with the right people, I think you will make it.”