Kai Sotto reiterates commitment to play for Gilas

“First of all, I never said no to represent my country. I’ve been playing for my country ever since I was 14 years old,” Sotto told former PBA commissioner Noli Eala in his Power and Play sports program over the weekend.”I don’t get what other people are saying about me not wanting to join; (I’m) not trying to listen to it, but just saying I want to focus on other stuff,” he added.The 21-year-old former Ateneo Blue Eaglets’ commitment to Gilas Pilipinas’ preparation for the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup has been questioned due to Sotto’s various commitments internationally. The Philippines is co-hosting the FIBA World Cup, along with Japan and Indonesia, which begins on August 25.”I never said no to play for my country because that’s my dream ever since I started playing basketball. (It’s) like my top two dreams, to make it to the NBA and represent the national team,” he reiterated.The shot-blocking young slotman just recently wrapped up his mini-camp exposure with the Utah Jazz, and is expected to join other NBA camps in his bid to earn a spot in one of the teams in the Summer League.Sotto recently concluded his first season with the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B.League, where he averaged 8.92 points, 6.08 points and 1.38 blocks in 24 games. He has since signed a two-year extension deal with the Dragonflies, that included an opt-out clause should he make it to the NBA.Gilas is set to resume its training for the FIBA World Cup on Wednesday, June 7 and will leave the country for a series of tuneup matches against Estonia, Finland and Latvia.