Kai Sotto begs off from Gilas' FIBA Asia Cup campaign

Kai Sotto won't be around when Gilas Pilipinas marches into the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup next month in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The 7-foot-3 wunderkind himself confirmed the development on his Facebook account Thursday and asked for understanding from his countrymen as he goes off to fulfill his duties for the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL.

Sotto will also miss suiting up for the nationals in the King Abdullah Cup hosted by the Jordan Basketball Federation from July 25 to August 3.

"There’s been a lot of speculation about whether I will be joining Gilas for the FIBA Asia Cup this coming August. The SBP and my EWP team have been trying to figure out what is the best balance for the team and my personal development," Sotto said in the post.

"And for a while I was really hoping that I would be able to join my teammates in Indonesia. But as you all know, I already committed to join the NBL starting the 2021/2022 season and I will be in Adelaide on August 1 ."

Sotto made his Gilas men's debut last month when he powered the national squad during the third and final window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

In two games against South Korea and one against Indonesia, the second-generation baller posted averages of 9.3 points, seven rebounds, and 1.3 assists en route to their sweep.

He, however, will not be available for the regional cage fest as he will need to undergo quarantine in Australia for two weeks upon arrival on August 1.

"Playing in the NBL is a critical step in my basketball journey," he continued.

"And now that I have fulfilled my qualifier window and OQT commitments to the National Team, I want to focus on playing well for the Adelaide 36ers and focus 1000% on giving the 36ers all my best."

The 2021 FIBA Asia Cup is slated from August 17 to 29 in Jakarta.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News