Kai Sotto won't rejoin Ignite in G League bubble

Highly-touted international prospect Kai Sotto won't play for the Ignite inside the G League bubble after leaving the team earlier this season.

"Kai and the team both understood the challenges for him to rejoin Ignite given the current international travel constraints, quarantine times, and health and safety protocols," G League president Shareef Abdul-Rahim said in a statement.

"Kai will always be part of the extended Ignite family, and we wish him continued success as he pursues his NBA dreams."

The club permitted Sotto to leave in January so he could train with the Philippines National Team ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifying Tournament, but the event was later canceled.

The 7-foot-3 big man previously decided to forego the traditional college route to be part of the Ignite program. Sotto would become the first Philippines-born NBA player if a team eventually drafts him.