“We were told that Kai would be fulfilling his commitments with Adelaide. His management team informed us that Kai is bound to join his new team as soon as possible,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) special assistant to the president Ryan Gregorio.

And with this new development, Sotto is also sitting out for the King Abdullah Cup in Jordan which Gregorio affirmed that the national team will move forward without Kai.

“Playing in the NBL is a critical step in my basketball journey and now that I have fulfilled my qualifier window and OQT commitments to the national team, I want to focus on playing well for the Adelaide 36ers and focus 1000% on giving the 36ers all my best,” Sotto shared.

Nevertheless, the 7-foot-3 Sotto asked for the understanding and assured that he’ll return to represent the country again.

“Babalik ho ako sa Gilas na mas malakas at mas maraming natutunan sa aking paglalaro sa Australia. Ipagdadasal ko po ang mga kasamahan ko para sa Asia Cup and I will be one of their loudest fans,” he said.

Sotto showed a promising skill during his three games in the third window of the Asia Cup Qualifiers averaging 9.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists