Kai Sotto knows that the top media outlets in the States see him as going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft.
But for him, it’s just the opinion of pundits. What matters for him right now is his personal development with G League Ignite.
“I’m not putting too much attention to the rankings because I know what I’m capable of doing,” the 18-year-old said during a press conference held early Thursday morning.
“My dad always tells me to don’t think too much of it and focus more on improving as a player and a person,” he continued.
His father Ervin went as the seventh overall pick in the 2004 PBA Draft despite not coming from a UAAP or NCAA school.
“I’m just focused on getting better and, whatever, it’s their opinion.”
Top outlets USA Today, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated do not have Sotto and teammate Princepal Singh in the top 60 list for next year’s draft.
In comparison, teammate Jalen Green is within the top five in the three outlets, while Jonathan Kuminga is in the top nine. Daishen Nix is predicted to either be in the top 13 or go to the second round. Finally, Isaiah Todd is a second rounder for the three outlets.
For his part, Sotto knows he is still far from reaching the games of Green, Kuminga, Nix, and Todd. But being with them, having Brian Shaw as head coach, and playing with vets Brandon Ashley, Bobby Brown, Cody Demps, Reggie Hearn, and Amir Johnson is helping his cause.
“I’m still far behind. My dad always reminds me that I’m not good enough. I have to get better every single day. The NBA is full of the best players in the world so I’m doing my best each day to improve,” said the 7-foot-2 enigma.
“Everybody wants me to be more aggressive every possession. I have to get stronger and be more athletic because the game is stronger, faster, and players from 1 to 5 now play outside. I have to do my best to adjust to the game today.”
