Kai Sotto sighting during the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Final Four. UAAP Media/file photo
MANILA – Since Gilas Pilipinas big man Kai Sotto can't return to action yet, he's looking for other ways to support the team in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
The 7-foot-3 player said he's been doing non-contact training and remains focused on recovery from his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.
"It's my ninth month na 'yung November mag-10 months na ako. May sarili akong program para sa akin lang dito ako nakakasali sa team practice. So ayun sabi ko na dati pa, ayaw ko madaliin 'yung recovery ko. Gusto ko pagbalik ko sa court, wala akong masyadong inalala or inalala 'yun," he told ABS-CBN News on Wednesday.
Sotto has been present in the recent training sessions of the Nationals in preparation for their games against Guam, as he remains in the 18-man Gilas pool.
"Gusto ko makatulong sa team, kay Coach Tim (Cone). 'Yung presence ko kahit 'di ako maglalaro na is to be here na maging part pa rin ng program and ng team," he said.
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Gilas head coach Tim Cone said Sotto's presence during practice and in their games against Guam is a big boost to the team.
Sotto previously missed the Nationals' campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup last August.
Even if he's not playing, Sotto is looking forward to the Gilas vs. Guam game at the Blue Eagle Gym in his alma mater, Ateneo de Manila University.
He led the Ateneo Blue Eaglets to a UAAP Juniors Basketball Championship in 2018.
READ: Kai Sotto resumes non-contact training as B.League comeback nears
"Special 'yun para sa aking and sa mga galing Ateneo din. Ayun, wish ko lang sana na makalaro saan ako pero hindi 'yun 'yung mangyayari. Pero to be there sa upcoming game against Guam, magiging mabuti 'yun para sa, hindi lang sa Pilipinas na may home game pero para rin sa mga Ateneo dahil andun na sila," he said.
As Sotto continues to recover and regain his form, he will do what he can for Gilas from the sidelines.
"Yeah as much as possible, ta-try ko tumulong sa team kung ano mang kaya kong gawin. Kung makakatulong ako ng vocally, tulong akong mga teammates ko, mga coaches ko. Pero ayun, magiging magandang presence lang ako sa sideline," he said.
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