NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum was all praises for G-League’s Ignite stars Jalen Green and Kai Sotto.
Talking in NBA Philippines’ Republika Huddle Wednesday, the NBA executive shared his insights about the two young Filipinos who took the G-League path to the big leagues, instead of going to college.
“Jalen, oh boy, when we got Jalen, we were so thrilled because he will be a top pick of his class!”
And for Tatum, these young stars are choosing the G-League path because of the opportunity to have world-class coaching and training.
Ignite is under head coach Brian Shaw, with a staff composed of assistant coach Rasheed Abdul-Rahman, video coordinator Jerry Woods and athletic trainer Pete Youngman.
“Green saw the opportunity to come in and get trained by NBA G-League coaches and he’s being coached now with Kai and the rest of his teammates by Brian Shaw,” said Tatum.
The G-League select team is training in Walnut Creek, California where they will play their home games.
Tatum has been impressed with Sotto during the Basketball Without Borders last February where the 7-foot-2 Filipino had the chance to be coached by Toronto Raptors star Pascal Siakam.
And with Sotto joining Ignite last May, Tatum is more thrilled to see the Filipino unlock his potential.
“I had the chance to see Kai at Basketball Without Borders this year and as you mentioned, a Jr. NBA alum, it’s so great to see him now playing for Team Ignite.”
