Kai Sotto returned to Manila yesterday to the rejoin the Gilas Pilipinas national team preparing for the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.
Teaming up with 6’10” AJ Edu in the shaded lane, Sotto will give Gilas Pilipinas Youth a strong presence inside as they head to Greece three weeks from now.
The world 30th-ranked Philippine youth team plunges into action in the World Cup from June 29 to July 7.
Edu arrived last Wednesday to join the team’s practices, while Sotto will join the scrimmages within the week.
The national youth team’s backcourt will be led by point guard Dalph Panopio.
Sotto spent more than two months in Atlanta, Georgia with his family to undergo training.
Five National University standouts like Dave Ildefonso and Migs Oczon will be around, alongside Bullpups Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, and Carl Tamayo.
Also lined up are Ateneo de Manila University’s Geo Chiu, Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s Joshua Ramirez, Far Eastern University’s Xyrus Torres and San Beda High School’s Rhayyan Amsali.
University of the Philippines’ James Spencer and University of Sto. Tomas’ Bismarck Lina are also there.
Gilas Youth will be coached by Sandy Arespacochaga, who will then be aided by Anton Altamirano, Ryan Betia, JB Sison, and Charles Tiu.
They will see action in Group C alongside no. 9 Argentina, no. 15 Greece, and no.19 Russia.