MANILA, Philippines – Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has expressed its full support for Kai Sotto, as the youngster pursues his dreams of making it to the NBA.

Sotto, who starred for the Ateneo Blue Eaglets in high school, confirmed on Monday that he intends to "devote the next two to three years to single-mindedly focus on my goal of joining the NBA by 2021 or 2022."

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A post shared by Kai Zachary Sotto (Official) (@kzsotto) on Mar 24, 2019 at 9:31pm PDT

With this in mind, the 16-year-old Sotto is set to leave the Philippines and begin training in the west.

• READ: Kai Sotto decides to leave PHI to try to 'join NBA by 2021 or 2022'

In a statement, SBP president Al Panlilio said the organization "fully supports the decision of Kai Sotto to start training in the US to pursue his goal to enter the NBA by 2021 or 2022."

"We are praying, together with the rest of our country, that the elusive dream of each and every one of us to have a natural born Filipino play in the NBA will become a reality," Panlilio added.

The SBP chief also expressed his gratitude to Sotto after the teenager confirmed his commitment to the Philippine national team program, particularly to Batang Gilas.

"We also commend Kai for his commitment to play for Batang Gilas in the World Cup in Greece, and in future international competitions of the men’s national team, Gilas Pilipinas, including the FIBA World Cup here in 2023," said Panlilio.

In the meantime, the SBP is coordinating with Sotto's management team "to ensure that all his needs are addressed and his stay in the US will be worthwhile and fruitful."

The 7-foot-2 Sotto led the Ateneo Blue Eaglets to the UAAP Season 80 title, then averaged 25.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists per game in Season 81 en route to MVP honors in the juniors division.

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