Kai Sotto and Carl Tamayo are two players that have caught the attention of basketball fans and scouts even during their high school days.

Sotto was part of an Ateneo de Manila high school squad which won the UAAP title back in 2018, while National University, Tamayo’s team, won back-to-back in 2019 and 2020.

Now, the two players are in the Japan B.League and Sotto said he is already looking forward to meeting his good friend and former Gilas Pilipinas teammate.

“It’s [Ryukyu] a good team. I know Carl Tamayo is there, it’s gonna be his first game in the B.League,” Sotto said in a press conference.

Sotto will play for the Hiroshima Dragonflies while Tamayo is suiting up for the Ryukyu Golden Kings.

“We’re kind of rivals in high school and we’re both professionals at a young age,” Sotto recalled.

“I can’t wait, I’m ready, I’m excited ever since I stepped into this country,” Sotto said about his B.League stint.

The Filipino big man also said adjustments might be easy for him as he makes his way to his new team.

“I think this team has a really good culture and environment. This team has good chemistry. I think it will be easy for me to step in and have my game,” he said.

“The locals and coaches are good guys. It’s fun to be with them. Adjusting is easy with this team because everybody is helping each other,” he added.

Ryukyu (29-9) and Hiroshima (29-10) will face each other on Wednesday, March 8. (GMA News)