Gilas Pilipinas' star center Kai Sotto. Photo by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/file
MANILA – Kai Sotto said his stint with Gilas Pilipinas at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) prepared him and boosted his confidence for the 2024-2025 Japan B.League season.
In a media availability on Thursday, Sotto said the national team experience "helped him a lot." Gilas pulled off an upset against World No. 6 Latvia, 89-80, in front of the hometown crowd before falling against Brazil, 60-71, in the semis to miss out on an Olympic berth.
"I just have to continue working. The confidence that I gained from the past OQT, that really helped me a lot coming into the season," said the Filipino big man.
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Sotto, who previously played for Hiroshima and Yokohama, also expressed excitement as he starts his basketball journey with the Koshigaya Alphas.
"I also have a big responsibility in this team this year. I'm really excited. I mean, I'm up for the challenge, it's gonna be a big year for me this year."
The 7-foot-3 star also bared that the team still has a lot of things to work on.
READ: B.League: After Yokohama exit, what’s next for Kai Sotto?
"I’ve been here for a month, played a couple of games already, and we're still not in our best shape yet," Sotto said.
"We still have to work on our chemistry and everything. We still got time before the season starts. It will be a challenging year, but I trust my teammates, and they all work hard. It’s gonna be a fun season," he added.
The former Ateneo standout said Koshigaya had his best interests at heart, and that's why he chose to play for the squad.
"I think Koshigaya had the best offer and they had the best plan for me. So yeah, I talked to the GM and the head coach. And I really liked what they told me. That’s why I went to Koshigaya."
READ: Kai Sotto, nagbigay ng update sa injury na nakuha sa FIBA OQT
When asked about his health, Sotto answered that he is "completely healthy."
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