Kai Sotto’s journey to the NBA took a huge hit in the past month after his decision to represent Gilas Pilipinas led to consequences regarding his G-League stint.
The 7-3 Filipino star returned to the Philippines earlier this month to play for Gilas in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers 3rd window originally slated for Qatar.
The event was postponed and hosting was given back to Clark in the Philippines with final dates still to be set.
The events coincided with the start of the G-League bubble starting in Orlando, Florida, where Sotto’s Team Ignite is part of.
Now, Sotto is reportedly heading back to the United States in an attempt to rejoin Ignite as soon as possible, a logistical challenge considering the pandemic situation.
Veteran journalist Homer Sayson reported that Sotto, according to his source, will require 6 negative tests, among other requirements, to just be able to rejoin the bubble and play.
"If/when @kzsottolive is interested rejoining us," my source said, he will require "six negative tests" and he will be evaluated to "take into account exact circumstances" before allowed entry into the G-League campus.
Kai still hasn't reached out to the Ignite.
Why?
— Homer Sayson (@HomerSayson) February 20, 2021
Sayson also added that Team Ignite has reportedly not yet heard from Sotto’s camp.
A league source just confirmed to me that @kzsottolive is NOT in Orlando.
I was also informed that ALL players only play for Ignite for one season.
The fear now is that Kai Sotto may be one and done. And gone.
read more@spinph
— Homer Sayson (@HomerSayson) February 20, 2021
PhilStar’a Luisa Morales, meanwhile, reported that Sotto is still a part of Team Ignite.
Doubts on Kai Sotto's future with Team Ignite rose as rumors floated that the 18-year-old has been disallowed from entering the NBA G League bubble, or worse, dropped altogether by the development program.
Read: https://t.co/OgUIMt0vaT pic.twitter.com/hw22mjZwBb
— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) February 21, 2021
Ignite head coach Brian Shaw commented on the situation last week, saying that the issue is best left for those in the authority.
“That’ll be something that will be determined by the people that are above my pay grade,” he said.
It is projected that Sotto will be able to rejoin by February 24, but only time can tell what happens next to his journey.
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