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But, he has Filipino roots as well. I think there is a realistic possibility he may go against the tide and choose to play for Gilas Pilipinas. That would be so awesome for team Gilas.
I say this because (1) he is eligible to play for Gilas and (2) he bonded last March with his roots by coming to the Philippines and playing and getting to know his peer players.
But here is the (3) reason, he has not accepted yet the USA Team invite. Previous to him, there were 2 others who visited the Philippines but both came with a decision that they already had chosen and accepted to play for Team USA. We are talking about Kamaka Hepa (Hawaii) and Jalen Green (Houston Rockets). Meanwhile, a 3rd player, Vyctorious Miller (uncommitted yet to which college) did not participate last March's tournament but also had committed for Team USA.
To be invited for Team USA is such a privilege and it means the player is elite. And for Gilas Pilipinas to have a player of such caliber is going to be a welcome development.
NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum opened up an NBA store in the Philippines, stating there may be a homegrown NBA player soon. There's been a buzz in the country who that player might be between Kai Sotto and Rhenz Abando. Rhenz is the better, more experienced player, but NBA likes youth so Kai Sotto who is 5 years younger than Abando, may be that person being alluded to. Kai needs to seal the deal this August in the FIBA WC. If he can perform what he's done in past FIBA games t which are all good IMHO this August, then he'd be a lock to get in into the NBA.
Speaking of World Cup, the draw was recently held for which countries are drawn to which Groups.
Philippines will be co-hosting the FIBA WC with Japan and Indonesia. It's been a long-time coming for a basketball crazy nation to re-host this event -- 44 years! But I understand that's how it is because other nations need to get their chance as well to host and there are many nations.
One of the benefit of hosting is a greater chance to qualify for the World Cup. But for the Filipinos, they want their team to qualify on its own merit and not due of its hosting. Winning 6 of 10 qualifier games was enough for the country to merit its own qualification.
Group A - Balanced group; Philippines at home court; in the past Italy would be runaway favorite but not this time; Angola, DR and Philippines are all worthy combatants
Group B - Serbia has an edge with Jokic but don't count out South Sudan. Hope Bol Bol plays. And talking about hope, China hopes Kyle Anderson plays for them.
Group C - USA! USA! The Greek Freak adds excitement though.
Group D - Another hard to call. Egypt and Mexico are solid teams, Lithuania has Sabonis and Valenciunas, while Montenegro has Vucevic. Your guess is as good as any.
Group E - Australia, though the other 3 are strong as well. Germany has Hartenstein, Kleber, Theis and Schroeder. Finland has The Finnisher. Japan has Watanabe and Hachimura, along with home court.
Group F - Luka magic?
Group G - Espana..Gasol Bros left but Hernangomez Hermanos have filled in nicely.
Group H - Heavyweights Canada and France are here. I lean to the French this time. Also, never count out a Lebanon team that has Asia Pacifc (including Australia) MVP in Wael Arakji. That guy terrorizes Asia Pacific.
Group A - Paolo Banchero and Simone Fontecchio powering Italy? Is KAT playing for DR? How about Bruno Fernando for Angola? I don't know who will play for Philippines - Clarkson or Brownlee. I lean to Brownlee but FIBA is marketing Clarkson so much in Philippines.
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There's been a buzz in the country who that player might be between Kai Sotto and Rhenz Abando. Rhenz is the better, more experienced player, but NBA likes youth so Kai Sotto who is 5 years younger than Abando, may be that person being alluded to. Kai needs to seal the deal this August in the FIBA WC. If he can perform what he's done in past FIBA games t which are all good IMHO this August, then he'd be a lock to get in into the NBA. 
