Kai’s obligation

There would be more than one reason for Kai Sotto to miss the next FIBA window against New Zealand and Australia in the last week of the month.

- By BILL VELASCO

The local basketball community collectively held its breath when the 7’3” center turned his ankle in his first game back for the Koshigaya Alphas three weeks ago. And we all breathed a sigh of relief when he returned to action a few days later. According to Japan B.League analyst and statistician Iris Arzadon, it is still almost certain that Kai will not be able to play for Gilas Pilipinas yet.

“It’s 90 percent sure,” says Arzadon, who has been traveling with the B.League for four years. “I was there when I checked on Kai, and I spoke with his trainer, who is also Filipino. He still has to rest a little bit more.”

But beyond that, there is a more compelling reason for Sotto to favor Japan over Gilas: a debt of gratitude.