Kai Sotto is set to go where no homegrown Filipino has gone before – be picked in the NBA Draft.
After throwing his name into the selection, the 7-foot-2 big man is looking to take the next big step in his career while creating history for the Philippines, which has always hoped to see a Pinoy make the cut in the biggest basketball league in the world.
For Ateneo de Manila University mentor Tab Baldwin, who handled Sotto when the 19-year-old was lined up in the Gilas Pilipinas’ campaigns in the Asia Cup Qualifiers and Olympic Qualifying Tournament last year, he is proud that one of his former wards has decided to take a big leap into the unknown.
Photo by FIBA.basketballetball
“Well, I’m excited for him,” said the 63-year-old. “You know I can’t make any qualitative assessment of that. Kai and his people know much better what his standing is with the NBA teams. I’m sure they’ve been in touch with teams,” he continued, referring to East West Private.
“I think I’m like all the rest of the Filipinos, I’m just excited for the opportunity that he might get drafted, and if he does, he gets a real chance to make a roster, and then it would be a dream come true for this basketball-crazy country.”
Without a doubt, Sotto feels tremendous pressure and trepidation. It is not every day that a Filipino player throws his name to join the NBA Draft. It is as if the weight and hopes of a nation are on his shoulders.
The former Ateneo de Manila High School standout averaged 7.52 points per game and 4.48 rebounds per game in 23 matches for the Adelaide 36ers in the previous season, which Baldwin feels was good preparation for the young stud’s potential NBA journey.
Photo from Adelaide 36ers
“I’m sure Kai is excited and nervous, but you know he’s worked really hard. He’s had a good season with Adelaide and that was a good place for him to be,” said the three-time UAAP champion, who is also a four-time NZ-NBL Coach of the Year.
“I believe a lot of big men, a lot of talented big men in that league and he held his own. He had a good season. I hope it’s the right decision. I can’t make any assessment as to whether it is or not.”
Ultimately, just like any coach, Baldwin only wants the best for his players. A career in the NBA will be the ultimate dream for Sotto. It will also be a sign that Pinoys can make one of the most prominent sporting competitions around the world.
Whatever happens, Sotto has already blazed a trail for those who will follow in his footsteps. It is everyone’s hope that he successfully brings the Filipino flag to the NBA.
“We just wish him well. All of us Ateneans, we still believe he’s one of us, and we’re very proud of what he’d accomplished so far and hopeful that there will be a lot more to his story to be told at the highest level.”
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