Kai Sotto still with Hiroshima in Japan B.League, says agent

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 7) — Kai Sotto is running it back with the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B.League, his agent Tony Ronzone confirmed on Thursday.

This comes amid reports that the Gilas Pilipinas big man is not part of the Japanese ballclub for the upcoming B.League season.

"In his contract states he is going back to Hiroshima," he told CNN Philippines' Sports Desk.

The 7-foot-3 Sotto averaged six points and four rebounds in 14 minutes of action in Gilas' six games in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Ronzone praised Sotto for a commendable tour of duty for the Philippines while pointing out the area for improvement.

"His skillset is outstanding, he can shoot, rebound, and run the floor," he said. "We just got to get him stronger."

Sotto will not see action for Gilas in the 19th Asian Games in China as the continental quadrennial sports meet's schedule is in conflict with the start of the Japan B.League next month.

Hiroshima will open its campaign against FE Nagoya on Oct. 7.