Deputy event director Erika Dy, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio and joint management committee head John Lucas share centerstage during the PSA Forum.
Sotto cleared to play for Gilas
NBA hopeful Kai Sotto is finally cleared to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the coming 2023 FIBA World Cup.
No less than Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio made the announcement as he reported the status of Sotto and another injured player, Scottie Thompson, with only 10 days before the formal opening of the world’s biggest basketball competition on Aug. 25 in Manila.
“I was there during practice the other night (Sunday) and everybody was present. Kai was there. Scottie and JC (Jordan Clarkson) were there,” said Panlilio in the special edition of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Meralco Conference Hall in Ortigas, Pasig.
“Kai also played. The doctors of Kai spoke yesterday (Monday) with the SBP doctors, and he’s been cleared to play. So that’s good news,” added Panlilio in the same session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
“We’re looking forward to seeing him participate in tune-up matches to prepare.”
There were earlier reports that Sotto could miss the FIBA World Cup due to a nagging back injury he sustained while playing for the Orlando Magic during the NBA Summer Camp in Las Vegas.
The 7-3 Filipino player even missed the country’s campaign in a short , three-day competition in Heyuan, China where the Filipino finished with a 3-1 record.
The former Ateneo standout also earlier missed the team’s friendly matches in Estonia and Lithuania.
As to Thompson, Panlilio said the Barangay Ginebra standout is also now in good physical.condition.
“Scottie is fit. It’s just a matter of getting back to the groove of playing,’ explained Panlilio, who was accompanied by SBP executive director Sonny Barrios, deputy event director Erika Dy, and joint management committee head John Lucas.
Panlilio said members of the FIBA working staff are already in the country as pre-World Cup events will be held starting next week, beginning with a welcome dinner on Monday for the delegates of the different basketball federations who will be attending the FIBA National Congress set on Aug, 22 and 23 at the Sofitel Hotel.
The FIBA will also be holding its Hall of Fame ceremony on Aug. 23, where Filipino basketball great Caloy ”The Big Difference” Loyzaga is going to be enshrined.
Panlilio also believes the local organizing committee, in cooperation with the relevant government agencies, has done its part in putting up a premium hosting experience for the teams in those three weeks.
He said basketball fans can also watch the action live on TV5, One Sports, and on Cignal’s brand new innovative OTT streaming app Pilipinas Live.
“This early, we see this hosting as a success and it’s rooted from the cooperation that the government sector has extended to the LOC in making all of these possible,” he said.
“We’ve left no stones unturned and it’s now the Philippines’ turn for the spotlight and we’re happy to welcome basketball home.”
