From Snow Badua's source: Kai is expected to arrived tonight, will not suit up in the Asia Cup qualifiers, but will be available at the OQT
https://www.spin.ph/basketball/fiba/kai-sotto-going-home-to-join-gilas-in-fiba-asia-cup-qualifiers-at-clark-a800-20210531?ref=home_feed_1
Barring any delays, Sotto is expected to arrive at around 10 p.m. Monday night.
The 19-year old, who is committed to play for the Adelaide Tigers in the Australian pro league, had to undergo an RT-PCR test in the US, especially since the flight will be making a stopover in Japan.
However, another source bared his stint with the all-cadets Gilas side in the Clark bubble isn't cast in stone since quarantine protocols may deny him enough time to train with the team.
A source from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) said Sotto may no longer be called to join the Gilas cadets in the Inspire Sports Academy bubble in Calamba, Laguna “so as not to distract the system’.
“Malabo pa kasi pagdating n'ya d'yan sa Pilipinas, may mandatory 14-day quarantine siya, kasama na yung swab on the seventh day,” said the source.
“Technically yung 14 days nya matatapos 'yun ng June 14,’ he added.
The Fiba Asia Cup, which the country will host, is set from June 16-20.
But for sure, Sotto will be backstopping the Gilas team that will compete in the final Olympic Qualifiers in Serbia on June 29.
The Philippines will need Sotto’s height in the OQT as the Gilas squad will be pitted against Dominican Republic and host Serbia in Group A while Group B is comprised of Puerto Rico, Italy and Senegal.
The Top 4 finishers in thar tournament will be given the final Tokyo Olympic slots.