Author: Monojit Mandal
Kai Sotto, the Philippine basketball sensation, expressed his gratitude for the unique experiences he had abroad, emphasizing the fundamental role they played in shaping his development as a player. The tall athlete, whose career has taken him to the NBL’s Adeleide 36ers, the B.League’s Hiroshima Dragonflies and, most recently, the 2023 NBA Summer League with the Orlando Magic, feels that these opportunities have helped him grow immensely.
“As a player, this means a lot to me,” Sotto told ABS-CBN News. The distance I’ve come from my origins in the Philippines to get to the Summer League and play is just amazing. It’s a tremendous blessing. “I cherish every moment and opportunity I had during my time there.“
Sotto’s path followed in the footsteps of other pioneering Filipino basketball players who used the NBA Summer League as a platform to pursue their NBA dreams. Ray Parks Jr, who wore the Dallas Mavericks uniform in the 2015 Summer League, and Kiefer Ravena, who previously played for the Mavs’ Texas Legends in the NBA D-League, led the way. In the same way, Japeth Aguilar’s path led him to the Sta. Cruz Warriors, while Fil-Am’s NBA standout Jordan Clarkson was drafted into the Los Angeles Lakers summer team during his rookie season.
Sotto sees a wave of Filipino talent making an impact on the NBA stage with unwavering hope. “I hope more Filipinos arrive. I’m confident that more Filipino players will be able to play there” he said.
Sotto moved to the United States in 2019 to take part in the NBA G League Ignite, where he excelled, averaging 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in his debut season. Despite not being selected in the 2022 NBA draft, Sotto’s determination led him to the Adelaide 36ers of the Australian National Basketball League (ANBL), where he averaged 7.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.0 block per game.
Sotto will take his skills to the Japanese B.League in 2023, playing for the Hiroshima Dragonflies. Sotto, an up-and-coming basketball prodigy, is still a work in progress, always improving his skills. Noted for his ability to rebound and block shots, as well as his elegance around the rim, he recognizes the need to improve his ball handling and shooting, which he is prepared to do because of his dedication and talent.