In an interview with Puso Pilipinas hosted by Gretchen Ho last February 4, Sotto showed his hotel room with a stationary bike, several dumbbells, and a weights vest that helps him to be always in condition since he is known to quickly lose weight.

“It’s a little challenging pero kahit papano, I make the most of it,” said the 7-foot-3 baller during the said interview.

“Sobrang excited lang ako sa next following days pagdating ko sa bubble sa Calamba,” he enthusiastically added.

The past two years for the 18-year-old Sotto have been life-changing, fast-paced, and intense.

Sotto has been very active in training and playing for The Skills Factory in his first year in the States. He also had an opportunity to take action in the Amateur Athletic Union circuit.

He also received offers from Division I universities and was even invited to participate in the G League. He then accepted the invite to join the Team Ignite handled by Brian Shaw, alongside with Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, and three more elite prospects.

However, this young standout’s plans with the team in the States didn’t go accordingly when he got the opportunity to play for Gilas in the final window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

“Para sa akin, ‘yung two years ko sa US is the biggest two years of improvement para sa akin. Sobrang daming nagbago sa buhay ko at sobrang daming opportunities na nakarating sa family ko. Pagdating sa basketball, tumaas lalo ‘yung confidence ko sa sarili ko,” said Sotto.

“More of being more aggressive and getting stronger ‘yung natutunan ko dun. ‘Yun lang talaga ‘yung kulang ko. Tinutulungan ako ng mga coaches ko on a mental standpoint kasi ‘yun ‘yung magiging lamang ko sa mga kalaban ko.”

Sotto arrived in the Philippines last February 2 and will only have a few days to train with Gilas, since the national team is set to leave this week.