Just think about this, standing at 7’2, 18 years of age, a player with a defensive awareness of a veteran player on the post, with a flowing jump shot who can fire the shot both inside and out. What if I tell you that this player just signed a multi-year deal with the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League, would you be surprised? What if I tell you that he is a full-blooded Filipino?
This teenage sensation is currently in Miami training with grown men working on his skills and conditioning. He is also scheduled to suit up for the Philippine National team in Serbia this June for a chance to secure a spot to compete for a medal at the Tokyo Olympics a month later.
This young gun is the eldest son of former PBA player Ervin Sotto, the NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger stated “We are delighted to welcome Kai to the NBL to play with the Adelaide 36ers.” The Adelaide 36ers signed Kai for a multi-year deal with an option for an extension. Prior to getting signed by Adelaide, Kai was rumoured to enter the 2021 NBA Draft. But due to an NBA rule that states that players are required to be one year removed from high school, Kai was ineligible to enter the draft. By joining the NBL Kai will get the court experience and further improve on his skills.
In the 40-year plus history of the NBL, Kai is the first Filipino player to play in the league. Kai will suit up for the upcoming 2021-2022 season; the NBL has built a reputation as a strong competitive league and this golden opportunity for Kai is also great for Philippine Basketball. As it opens the door for other Filipino-born players to showcase their talent in front of Australian Basketball fans.
