A 7-foot-2 center, Kai Zachary Sotto, made an impact at the Ateneo de Manila High School in Quezon City, Philippines, before playing at The Skill Factory. In February, during the NBA All-Star 2020 in Chicago, Sotto participated in the Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Global Camp. In several tournaments, he has represented the Philippines, including the 2019 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup.
(See Kai Sotto’s Stats during the FIBA)
Kai Sotto, the young basketball star, is a guy in demand.
Before participating in The Skill Factory (TSF) in November 2019, in which it is a junior affiliate program that has established the likes of 2018 NBA MVP and Olympic gold medallist James Harden, and Kemba Walker, he moved to the United States in the month of April to prepare for such great training. Adjusting his life in the States was not really easy.
“I just work hard, I just listen to the people around me and it’s become easier.” – Sotto
His height is the apparent starting point, but he has a surprising versatility as well as a decent passing eye. It is estimated that at least seven colleges are interested in Sotto, with the teenager outlining his trips to Auburn, Georgia Tech, and Kentucky, the most popular college in NCAA basketball history.
At a young age of 17-year-old that scales 2.18m (7ft 2in), he played in Atlanta with The Talent Factory (TSF) as he tried to get closer to his NBA dream. He has been in excellent condition, averaging 27 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 4.3 blocks to guide his side to victory at the King Invitational in Atlanta, and snatching the MVP trophy.
Thanks to the 24.6 points, 10 boards and 3.6 assists per game in a two-day affair, he was called to the first five at the Hargrave Military Challenge in Virginia. The presentation allegedly prompted an invitation from the University of Georgia, the latest in a list of colleges heavily invested in the services of Sotto.
(See Kai’s Highlights)
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, 7-foot-2 phenom Kai Sotto from the Philippines has reportedly chosen to give up college in order to capture the G League route while he seeks his NBA dream.
“My ultimate dream is to make it to the NBA, and I think playing here (TSF) is the best plan to make it there. Every game is like a test for me, a time for me to see what I can do and what I can do more. So I just go out here, play my best, play hard and mistakes will happen but the next game I can improve on that.” – Sotto
https://twitter.com/abscbnsports/status/1102853649158426624
“And I’m just thinking that my family are always with me so I’m just playing for them and for my team also.” He said.
Sotto claims he definitely has the abilities to go all the way to the major league.
“I think I can read the situations well, I can score on every place on the court and I think I’m a really good team-mate ” – Kai Sotto told the PhenomHoopReport
Monty Williams, Phoenix Suns coach, said Kai Sotto may be the beginning of a constant flow of homegrown Filipino stars pushing their way to the NBA.
President Shareef Abdur-Rahim of the NBA G League reported that Kai Sotto, the Philippines’ top prospect, has signed up to play in next season’s NBA G League. Sotto, ranked in the Class of 2020 by ESPN as the No. 4 player in Georgia, spent an entire season at The Skill Factory, an Atlanta-based athletic production agency.
After being recruited for being one of the players in the NBA G League, Sotto could become the first native Filipino to be drafted into the NBA—a program seeking to grow the very next wave of top prospects.
The NBA G League creates an opportunity for top promising young players to launch their professional careers while obtaining instruction in mentorship and life skills. As Sotto practices NBA-style basketball, he will have the ability to accelerate his on-court progress.
Aug 1, 2020, Kai Sotto was allocated to the NBA G League Ignite for the 2020-21 season.
A congratulatory video for Sotto was also filmed by Shareef Abdur-Rahim, calling him “the best young player from Asia”.
“I want to start by first congratulating you on everything that you’ve accomplished so far, be one of the top-rated players in this year’s class … we’re so excited to have you. We want to welcome you to the NBA family,” Shareef Abdur-Rahim said.
(Kai unwrapping the Gift from the NBA)
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CC7Y7iyDK8f/?utm_source=ig_embed
“I’m speechless, it’s a big gift,”
“Stay humble … blessed to be part of such a great organisation. Thanks NBA G League,” Sott wrote.
The 7-foot-2, Sotto, worked to improve his physical strength in the center. Instead of opting for fadeaways, Ignite coach Brian Shaw worked to reinforce a’ touch first ‘mantra into Sotto to lean into the basket.
“When it comes to the court, Coach always says ‘do your work early.’ The players that work hard are the best in the league,” said Sotto.
Sotto, currently 18-year-old, is the first international prospect to go out this path, reaching the new G League squad being established in Southern California with American stars Jalen Green, Isaiah Todd and Daishen Nix.
Sotto is a living legend outside the Philippines, where he is popularly recognized as the next big thing in the world. The Philippines is a basketball-crazed country, as the very first ever Filipino to make it into the NBA, they are hedging their bets on Sotto.
“It’s the best feeling because a lot of people supporting you, always there for you, so that is more of an inspiration to me to keep working hard and to make them proud.” – Kai Sotto
https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/stories/news/detail/kai-sotto-philippines-nba-g-league/