Gilas Controversy: Did Kai Sotto chose his NBA dream over serving our national team?

Last week, one of the hottest issue that basketball fans in the entire country were talking about was the dire situation of Kai Sotto.

Kai decided that he will not play in the sixth window of the 2023 FIBA Qualifying games that will be held here in our country.

His team explained their decision as related to his health. Reading between the lines, the management could be saying that they do not want him to take part in games that could risk him to injuries. Specially games that actually do not matter in terms of qualifying for the upcoming World Cup.

Some PBA insiders are also continuing to push the narrative that money is also part of the issue. This one is easy to claim but the logic seems off knowing that Gilas treat Kai as their most important local player. So, money should not be an issue.

I do not have a problem with Kai being risk-averse with his potential last big shot of making it to the NBA. He is preparing for the upcoming NBA Summer camp. If he fails to make a dent there, the road to the NBA will become so much harder for him.

But, here will be the bigger question moving forward. During the preparation for the World Cup, will Kai Sotto be there?

The 2023 NBA Summer League schedule is around early July. That will be already the time for the preparation of our national team.

If Kai will go all out i nthe 2023 NBA Summer league and even join training camps, will he even have time to get familiar with the system of coach Chot Reyes?