Kai Sotto is looking to make history as the first homegrown Filipino drafted to the NBA. Sacramento Asian Pacific Islander Regional Network. Kai Sotto is looking to make history as the first homegrown Filipino drafted to the NBA. An argument could be made that Sottos inclusion into the national team was not needed since the country was going to qualify for the 2023 FIBA World Cup regardless of their placing because they are one of three host nations--the other two being Indonesia and Japan. Finals Predictions? Filipino-American Mark Climaco is reflecting on being a few steps closer to realizing his dream of making the worlds Exodus: 'Eat Bulaga' hosts file mass resignation. Photo from B.League. !, Alapag posted on his Instagram. Sotto, the 21-year-old, lengthy, 7 3 center from the Phillippines actually entered his name in the 2022 NBA Draft. Sotto was named to the final 12-man roster of the national team in June 2021, ahead of their 81-78 victory over South Korea. In the NBL, Sotto provided glimpses of what could come and averaged 7.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in over 15 minutes. Utah Jazz. Sotto will hold his NBA Draft watch party in his home base in Atlanta. A Trump appointee will replace him. Philstar Global Corp. All Rights Reserved, Kai Sotto in his pre-draft workout with the Sacramento Kings. Filipino-American teen stalwart JJ Mandaquit will play for Team USA in the 2023 FIBA U16 Americas Championship next week in Mark Climaco talks about recent Road to UFC win, next bout. I just have to do everything to get better, to reach my dreams.. According to reports from Sports Illustrated and The Salt Lake Tribune,the 21-year-old Sotto will be participating in a two-day Utah Jazz mini-camp to be held this week. In his first season with Hiroshima, Sotto put up averages of 9.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 assists, helping the Dragonflies to a 41-18 record. This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission. "Further growth as a passer as he matures and the games slows down for him will also be extremely helpful, as he has shown a certain level of vision at previous levels of play.". Call 896 6000. While that happens, other squads get to stay in the U.S. and play comfortably at their homecourts. In Bleacher Report s latest mock draft, the Nets are projected to take Wake Forest freshman forward Bobi Klintman with the 21st overall pick. Best of luck on your journey to the NBA! The Filipinos turned back the Indonesians, 11.5, in mens 3x3 basketball Friday that officially launched the country's Eala enters quarterfinals in Spain tennis tilt. Hopefully, the coaches will play him for more than 15 minutes during their game to give Sotto an experience of a lifetime. Minor edits have been made by the TopGear.com.ph editors. No NBA team took Before Sotto returned to the US to undergo the pre-draft process, his agent, Joel Bell, told Philstar.com that he had already secured a commitment from an undisclosed NBA team that they would draft his client. However, he decided to forgo his college eligibility and join the NBA G League Ignite. Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Although Sotto was left undrafted, many Filipinos continued to rally their support for the 7-foot-2-inch center, landing Kai Sotto and Undrafted on the, We are so proud of you! Position: C. Club: Current and former "Eat Bulaga" hosts paid tribute to the noontime show after Vic Sotto, Tito Sotto and Joey de Leon announced yesterday that they will be parting ways with Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE). Sotto never ended up playing for the Ignite, as he opted to play for the Philippine national team at the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers. "With Kai's progression throughout the season, it was within expectation Kai would declare for the 2022 Draft. The Premier Volleyball League will have an 11th team in Chery Tiggos sister company Foton. Sacramento, the capital of the state of California, has a large Filipino community. The Charlotte Hornets didnt quite win the lottery but they still came away happy as they landed the number two overall pick. NBA to announce Morant decision after Heat-Nuggets finals, says Silver. "While his late season performances certainly helped, it felt like only a glimpse of his potential, and with those flashes, it felt like another season in the NBL would have seen him play a bigger role that could've highlighted his game even more," Houben said. Sotto managed to carve out a niche in the NBL, albeit in a limited role, because of his unusual blend of size and mobility. Sotto will be joined by former and current NBA players as well as stars from Europe. Keep fighting!! , but he suffered a foot injury during a workout which affected his draft stock. Keep working! In 23 games with the 36ers, he only averaged 7.5 points on an even 50 percent outing from the field, 4.5 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.8 blocks with just 15.3 minutes of game time. Copyright 2023 YB Media, LLC. This way, hell be able to attain his Kaiju moniker. Local players, coaches make their NBA Finals 2023 predictions, NBA to announce Ja Morant decision after Finals, says Adam Silver, 36ers coach believes Kai Sotto headed to NBA pretty soon, VNL: 8 Thailand players test positive for COVID-19, replacements arrive in Manila, Todays top stories: Onset of rainy season, Pimentel to Marcos: Veto Maharlika Fund bill | INQToday, Nina Aguas talks of good corporate governance as a way of life at InLife, Guinness World Record-breaking HONOR Magic5 Pro to arrive in PH on June 8, NBA Finals: Nuggets dominate Heat in Game 1 behind Nikola Jokics triple double, Veto Maharlika bill, return it to Congress to fix potential pitfalls, Pimentel presses Marcos, Mainers had the best time at the Aura With Maine event with vivo Philippines, Tito Sotto reveals TVJs announcement to disengage from TAPE was unplanned: Di na namin natolerate, LOOK: Xyriel Manabat goes to Baguio with pogiest boyfriend, Ice Seguerra, Janno Gibbs, Ruby Rodriguez show love for Eat Bulaga. Featured Image via Gretchen Ho (left), The Scoreboard (right), The dream is always the NBA, so Ill always have to do whatever it takes to get better, stronger, to improve, Sotto, . The entire country and I are rooting for you!! If chosen, Sotto will become the He finished his pro debut season with averages of 7.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 0.8 blocks. NBA to announce Morant decision after Heat-Nuggets finals, says Silver. We support you, Filipino politician and former professional boxer, Sotto may still get an invite for the 2022. that is slated to start on July 7. Charlotte Hornets. ?> (@hiroshimadragonflies), Local hoops legend becomes first Filipino named to FIBA Hall of Fame, RJ Abarrientos-Daniel Padilla is the basketball duo we thought we didn't need, Rain or Shine shows sneak peak of Mac Belos first training with team, HER SIDE OF THE COURT | For women, by women: Athletes join forces to create WMovements 3x3 tournaments, Dawn Macandili's dope birthday cake shows she truly stans BTS, SiarGang: La Salle gets well-deserved beach trip after UAAP Season 85 championship, Ryan Garcia gets into Twitter spat with boxing legend, NU trio happy to leave lasting legacy for Lady Bulldogs as they begin PVL careers, NU, UST stars say joining Chery Tiggo feels like homecoming, Creamline officially welcomes Bernadeth Pons ahead of PVL Invitational, Blackwater powers past Terrafirma in PBA On Tour, Foton returns to local volleyball scene in time for PVL Invitational, Gilas Women's Jack Animam gets personal, jolly with Q&A portion for fans, Abu Tratter feels tailor-fit for new team that has some of best guards in league, GUTS AND GLORY | The long road back for Ian Sangalang, GUTS AND GLORY | The dangerous path in SEA Games naturalization, HER SIDE OF THE COURT | In Memoriam: John Oranga, the lens that captured greatness, GUTS AND GLORY | Remember her name: Rosalinda Faustino out to leave mark in weightlifting, Ray Parks Jr. gets cozy with Zeinab Harake, appears to make things IG official, RJ Abarrientos hit in the feels with Ethan Alvanos reality check, No last season in sports: Concept store promises cant-miss deals for enthusiasts, Heat Check: Kicks of Nikola Jokic, Mo Tautuaa, 'Impossible is nothing': Filipinas' new kit for FIFA Women's World Cup is straight fire, Basketball budol: Largest NBA Store in the Philippines set to open this May, Magnolia romps past Blackwater in PBA On Tour, San Miguel bounces back with win over Northport. After a four-year love affair with beach volleyball, Bernadeth Pons will return to her roots and suit up for the Creamline Fil-Am hoops prospect suits up for Team USA in FIBA U-16 Americas tourney. Height: 7-2. Filipino-American teen stalwart JJ Mandaquit will play for Team USA in the 2023 FIBA U16 Americas Championship next week in Mark Climaco talks about recent Road to UFC win, next bout. The former Ateneo star is headed back to Los Angeles before going to his next camp. 1 priority. The Rookie Draft is set for June 23 in Brooklyn. Laban lang!! All rights reserved. His decision to make the NBA jump despite having two more years left on his Adelaide contract (with a team option on the final year) did not come as a surprise to the 36ers. Since Kai has a newly-minted contract in Japan, why is he about to canoodle with other Utah Jazz prospects this coming May 30 and 31, you might want to know. Weight: 210. The Kings could be his best shot among the eight NBA teams he visited. The 7-foot-3 big man was under the radar as he was missing from most scouting reports on the draft. April 28, 2022 12:18 pm ET. NAGPAPATULOY sa kanyang misyon ang 7-foot-3 Filipino stalwart na si Kai Zachary Sotto na mahanap ang This meant that his contract was going to be treated as if he was a local and was not registered as an import for them. Klintman, a 610 225 According to Bell, Sottos immediate plan was that he was going to play in the FIBA Asia Cup with the Philippines national team on July 12. The dream is not over. The hosts of "Eat Bulaga" filed a mass resignation following the announcement of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon that they would be parting ways with Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE). Despite this, theres still hope for Sotto to be able to achieve his NBA dreams. He finished his pro debut season with averages of 7.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 0.8 blocks. Thursday could be the day history beckons for the Sotto and the basketball-crazy Philippines. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. This earned him an invite to the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp during the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago. The NBA has investigated Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant's latest gun-flashing video on social media but won't announce any California Academy, Naga College Foundation dispute title in Shakeys Girls volleyball tiff. Creole-Vietnamese American player Johnny Juzang also was not drafted; however, the UCLA basketball guard has agreed to a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz. The hype train was certainly chugging along when it was revealed that Sotto had worked out with teams like the Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic and Sacramento Kings. In Bleacher Report s latest mock draft, the Nets are projected to take Wake Forest freshman forward Bobi Klintman with the 21st overall pick. Seven-foot-three big man Kai Sotto on Tuesday shared an Instagram Story checking out the mountain view of Salt Lake City, Utah. MANILA, Philippines Kai Sotto worked out with the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday and met former Philippine mens basketball team star-turned-coach Jimmy Alapag. Bell revealed that Sotto and his management team, East West Private, turned down a possible draft-and-stash situation with one franchise because it would limit the young player to just one team instead of having the freedom to speak with other potentially interested teams. His fluidity and mobility is an intriguing aspect of his game and really stands out when rolling to the basket, where he had some vicious dunks," Smith said. In January of 2020, he was named MVP of the King Invitational tournament, where in three games, he averaged 27 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.3 blocks and 3.0 assists. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, *Translations are limited to select pages. However, he decided to forgo his college eligibility and join the NBA G League Ignite. Aquino laments 'one of those days' vs. Indonesia as Gilas Women settle for SEA Games silver, 'Redeem Team' gets it done as Gilas routs Cambodia for SEA Games gold, Group of Death? All eyes are on 7-foot-5 French prospect Victor Wembanyama, the 2023 projected top pick. Adam Silver held his annual pre-NBA Finals press conference on Thursday and discussed a variety of topics with reporters, but the piece that raised the most eyebrows After going unselected in the 2022 NBA Draft, Sotto is giving his NBA dream another shot as he is set to play in the 2023 NBA Summer League, which will take place Prior to overseeing Kai's progress, Ronzone was the director of player personnel for the Dallas Mavericks and was part of the group that scouted Luka Doncic, whose draft rights the Mavs acquired in 2019 via trade. But it is not the end of the road for Sotto as he still has multiple options to eventually find himself on an NBA roster. A catatonic woman awakened after 20 years. Most notably, he was named to the All-Tournament First Team in the 2018 U16 Asia Championship, where Sotto averaged 16.8 points, 13.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.2 assists in 25 minutes per game. Charlotte Hornets. The fake tweet says, Kai Sotto will join NBA Draft 2021. It has no timestamp. 1, 32 and 35), Cleveland (Nos. Cody Taylor. Will Sotto make history as the first Philippine-born player to be selected in the NBA Draft? Beermen guard puts on a display during the PBA Tour, La Salle's Mike Phillips turns his attention to another 'Redeem Team', SEA Games gold medalist Lastimosa stands as beacon for Adamson program. He also has the option to return to the Australian National Basketball League, where he still has a standing two-year contract that he signed with the 36ers last year, plus a third-year option. Per sources, Kai did "good" and "had a great experience" in his first NBA mini camp. I just have to do everything to get better, to reach my dreams., Lee, the 21-year-old South Korean college basketball player, was considered a fringe. By providing an email address. All rights reserved. Always free! The 20-year-old was not selected in the 2022 NBA Rookie Draft that took place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on Thursday. MANILA, Philippines Kai Sotto's road to the NBA hit a setback after he went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft on Thursday (Friday, Manila time). With the G League door being behind them now, his fans and followers believed that this was going to be his next best shot at impressing international scouts, hopefully being on an NBA team as soon as possible. If the coach does decide to play the 2022 NBL Fans MVP, scouts might see his on-court brilliance and consider signing him. Kai Sotto. Sotto is a 21-year-old, 7-foot-3 center who has recently played in the Australian NBL (where he averaged 6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds) and in the Japan Sign up now! "Kai is already working out in Los Angeles and he will leave for Utah on the 29th," Ronzone said. Overall, Sotto has to perform his best during their game against the Phoenix Suns. That's because his B.League contract has an "NBA opt-out" clause that allows him to pursue his NBA dream. NBA personnel have been keeping track of him so he will have his fair chance of being considered," said Theodore Chan, Adelaide's scouting director. Its not as impressive as some prospects statistics, but it shows how skilled the big man is. An ankle injury may have hurt Sottos draft stock as he missed a significant chunk of his pre-draft workout with NBA teams. Sotto had an impressive Australias National Basketball League stint, averaging 7.6 points on 51 percent field goals including a 39 percent shooting from deep, and had 4.5 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in 15.2 minutes in 23 games. Vivek Ranadive, the lone NBA owner from India, deeply understands what it means for an Asian country like the Philippines to have Sotto make history the way Bhullar did eight years ago. However, the Philippines dreams of fielding a pure-blooded player in the league were forced to park outside of the NBA as he went undrafted. We support you #PinoyPride, More from NextShark: NBA player ignites Chinese outrage for calling Xi brutal dictator, Free Tibet messages, Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) June 24, 2022. In some ways, it's the same stipulation that allows Filipino Asian imports to temporarily leave their mother teams in Japan to answer the call of Gilas. California Academy and Naga College Foundation duke it out in a one-game championship match for all the marbles. Kai Sotto (11) of the Philippines U19 national basketball team. "There's no reason Sotto would not have the potential to be a productive contributor on the offensive end of the floor," Houben said. MANILA, Philippines Kai Sotto was not selected in the 2022 NBA Rookie Draft on Friday (Manila time) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NAGPAPATULOY sa kanyang misyon ang 7-foot-3 Filipino stalwart na si Kai Zachary Sotto na mahanap ang pinapangarap na daan patungo sa National Basketball Association (NBA) matapos papurihan ni Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy kasunod ng ginanap na mini camp nitong nagdaang linggo. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Sottos per 36-minute numbers are a bit more impressive than his raw box score stats. Biggest surprises? At the same time, from 8,779 miles away across the Pacific Ocean, an entire nation will anxiously wait for Sottos name to be called by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (in the first round) or Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum (in the second round) at Barclays Center Thursday night (Friday morning in Manila). Here's why. FIBA Hello, Salt Lake City! One was that the Filipino big man had signed a contract extension with the Hiroshima Dragonflies of the Japan B.League. LALAHOK din si Kai Sotto sa LA mini camp. Filipino basketball player Kai Sotto was undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, temporarily delaying his dream of becoming the first-ever Philippine-born player in the NBA. Whatever the case may be going on behind the scenes, Sottos journey to the NBA will certainly have more twists and turns along the way as the eyes of an ever-watchful basketball-crazed nation continues to cheer him on. "[But] it is generally only justifiable to play a seven-footer on an NBA floor if they're being heavily utilized on the offensive end, and whilst Sotto has shown utility as a finisher and lob threat at the NBL level, a clear cut offensive skill will go a long way into making him a useful NBA player.". Seven-foot-two Filipino center Kai Sotto is back for another season with Adelaide. These recent developments reinforce the optimism previously expressed by a few voices -- including former Philippines men's national team head coach Rajko Toroman and Sotto's agent Joel Bell -- who believe the 20-year-old's combination of youth, physical tools, and intangibles outweigh some of the weaknesses he showed during his first pro season with the Adelaide 36ers in Australia's National Basketball League. "I imagine Sotto goes undrafted, but even if he [isn't] picked up, he still has two years on his contract with the Adelaide 36ers, and the NBL is an excellent environment for giving Kai the resources and opportunity to further develop and work towards bigger opportunities.". Copyright 2023. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. His passing and floor vision has garnered some attention over the years, but the potential has yet to fully materialize, as Sotto tallied more turnovers (32) than assists (14) in his first year with Adelaide. The main hosts of the longest-running noontime showEat Bulaga former senator Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey GMA surprised by 'Eat Bulaga' departure, says TAPE has block time deal until 2024. This site uses cookies. In general, catch-and-shoot shots (8.5 percent) and pick and pops (4.5 percent) comprised a small percentage of his shots, and Adelaide was below average in possessions that involved Sotto in those plays, per InStat. Maybe Sotto can get a ride with Clarkson around Utah too. Kai Sotto of the 36ers warms up prior to the NBL Blitz match between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Adelaide 36ers at Darwin Basketball Association. Jaylin Williams, who is of Vietnamese descent, was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. Home; Tickets; Schedule. According to reports from Sports Illustrated and The Salt Lake Tribune, the 21-year-old Sotto will be participating in a two-day Utah Jazz mini-camp to be held this week. Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. This is just a speed bump. Jaylin Williams, who is of Vietnamese descent, was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on Spin.ph. The agent later mentioned that Sotto would not be signing a G League, Exhibit 10, or Summer League deal and bared that the Filipino cager was going to play for a non-North American team--potentially another run with the 36ers or a European team. The contract will allow him to split time between NBA clubs and their G League affiliates. LALAHOK din si Kai Sotto sa LA mini camp. Adam Silver held his annual pre-NBA Finals press conference on Thursday and discussed a variety of topics with reporters, but the piece that raised the most eyebrows was in response to a question about the leagues investigation into the latest Instagram Live video of Ja Morant holding a gun. Sotto was eligible for the 2022 NBA Draft because he is a 19 Ending his G League stint so early was seen as a big waste of opportunity by most in the local basketball scene because if Sotto truly was gunning for the NBA, he and his team would do everything in their power to make it happeneven giving up international play for a while. Filipino NBA prospect Kai Sotto has piqued the interest of the Chicago Bulls, who invited him to a private workout. Navigation Toggle NBA. There, he averaged 7.52 points and 4.48 rebounds per game. Sign up now! With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Just check out their chemistry in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. With a reported deal worth $200,000, Sottos entrance into the G League system was seen as his best shot at making the NBA. Sotto still uncertain for World Cup. Teams passed on Sotto in the draft class that saw Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren picked first and second, respectively. NBA Draft Prospect Kai Sotto Talks Spurs, Love for Tim Duncan By continued use, you agree to our privacy policy and accept our use of such cookies. He rebounded very well [from missing the G League Bubble] by going to Adelaide, showing what he can do as far as being a seven-foot-two extremely skilled, big man who can play, Givony said. Kai Sotto during his workout NBA team Sacramento Kings. The Rookie Draft is set for June 23 in Brooklyn. He is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey, and writes for the New York-based sports website empiresportsmedia.com. Sotto may still get an invite for the 2022 NBA Summer League that is slated to start on July 7. Because he signed with the G League, this also closed the door on him from playing at the NCAAs Division I level. The Adelaide 36ers center also met former PBA star Alapag, who currently works as an assistant coach for the Stockton Kings, Sacramentos G League affiliate. As the NBA draft draws closer, some teams have shown an increasing interest in Sotto's potential. But there is belief Sotto can build around those figures in order to raise his ceiling and find a place on offense in the modern NBA. NEW YORK The day of reckoning has arrived for the Philippines top prospect Kai Sotto after wrapping up his NBA pre-Draft workouts in Indiana Tuesday (Wednesday, We are so proud of you! The dream is not over. This site uses cookies. Im only 20 years old so I still have a lot of room to grow and develop, to improve, Sotto told Rappler. NBA 2022 Draft Prospects | Kai Sotto. ** 18), Atlanta (Nos. In the first of our two-part series on 2022 NBA Draft hopeful Kai Sotto, ESPN talked to scouts and experts who cover Australia's National Basketball League about his Kai Sotto, a 7-foot-2 center from the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League, has at least 12 pre-draft workouts scheduled with NBA teams, according to Adam Sotto, who is eyeing becoming the first homegrown Filipino to be drafted in the NBA, has attended several workouts with the New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, and Chicago Bulls in the past weeks. The trouble began with the decision to leave the G League barely a year into his stint, and while his talent has always been there, it cannot be denied that there could also be some form of mismanagement from his side that may have happened along the way. Its not a signal for me to stop, but to keep on going.. CHICAGO - The long-cuddled dream to see the first full-blooded Filipino play in the NBA just made a giant It's no secret that Kai Sotto wants to continue pursuing his NBA dreams. ", Grading Sotto: How the Philippines' prospect's offense stacks up in the 2022 NBA draft, Aldin Ayo keeping Converge's focus on the court, Is Terrence Romeo back? Jonathan Givony, ESPNs NBA Draft expert and the founder and co-owner of Draftexpress.com, tempered expectations but left the door open for Sotto to enter the league in one way or another. Sotto declared for the draft late in April 2022. He made history by becoming the first Razorback the Thunder have selected in the NBA Draft. He appeared in 23 games during the 2021-22 season, where he averaged 7.6 points and 4.5 rebounds in 15.2 minutes. The problem here is that Sotto did not do much of note in terms of the box score, save for a few highlight reel-worthy moments. MANILA, Philippines Kai Sotto's road to the NBA hit a setback after he went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft on Thursday (Friday, Manila time). Sports Illustrated whipped Filipino fans into a frenzy when Sotto was included in the 58-man pool of draftees, going 49th overall to the Kings. a new day, a new group of prospects in the gym , Jacob Gilyard Fatts Russell Yoan Makoundou Karlo Matkovic Yannick Nzosa Kai Sotto, Watch the full workout https://t.co/RuuwKif5fk pic.twitter.com/wIysqrJnCV, Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) June 16, 2022. ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW , 2023 SPIN.ph - Sports Interactive Network Philippines. "Outside of being a drop-off/lob option, he seems most successful in getting his offense in the pick and roll. Keep working!! The Utah Jazz made some headlines this morning as reports surfaced of Kai Sotto, the 2022 & 2023 Fan MVP of Australias highly regarded basketball league, the NBL. Photo from B.League. During the Draft Combine, he performed workouts with several teams and throughout the process, his former agent Joel Bell hyped the young big mans possibility of getting drafted. And the other was the news that he is joining the Utah Jazz in a mini camp next week. Games. Nikola Jokic makes Finals history in Game 1 win over Heat, The '20 PPG during the 2022-23 NBA season' quiz, Nikola Jokic makes Finals history in Game 1, Report: Four-time Pro Bowler could be traded 'by end of week', NHL star has rare hip surgery that will sideline him several months, Details emerge regarding DeAndre Hopkins' contract demands, GMs address possibility of Guardians trading Cy Young winner, Raiders HC makes surprising comments about QB's status, Mets' Edwin Diaz offers update on if he could pitch in 2023. He went to the Miami School in Hamilton, Ohio. The Filipinos turned back the Indonesians, 11.5, in mens 3x3 basketball Friday that officially launched the country's Eala enters quarterfinals in Spain tennis tilt. In Bleacher Report s latest mock draft, the Nets are projected to take Wake Forest freshman forward Bobi Klintman with the 21st overall pick. Sotto would go on to be named MVP of the King International Tournament after averaging 27 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.3 blocks, and three assists in three games. Best of luck on your journey to the NBA! The next step I really have to think with my family. Sotto already had his foot in the door by joining the Ignite, but he surprisingly turned his back on it when he decided to come home and take the international route. ESPN talked to some of these scouts and regional experts working and covering the NBL and asked them to weigh in on the prospect of Sotto becoming the first full-blooded Filipino to make it to the NBA. ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW , 2023 SPIN.ph - Sports Interactive Network Philippines. The 36ers roster doesnt boast any outstanding talent as of now. His shooting stroke was apparent at times, but Sotto did not take enough 3s and attempted just 14 shots from beyond the arc through 24 games, including just four from the corners. After a four-year love affair with beach volleyball, Bernadeth Pons will return to her roots and suit up for the Creamline Fil-Am hoops prospect suits up for Team USA in FIBA U-16 Americas tourney. Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. In 24 games, he shot 49.6% from the floor, 35.7% from 3-point range and 68.1% from the free throw line -- numbers that have drawn polarizing opinions from those who have followed Sotto's journey with close interest. Keep fighting!! Your subscription could not be saved. Sotto's options include going to the NBA G League or returning to the Australian NBL. He has two siblings. Im assuming that most of his minutes came from the last moments of blowout games. All Rights Reserved. MANILA, PhilippinesKai Sotto signed a contract extension with the Hiroshima Dragonflies amid his upcoming NBA Summer League stint. In an exclusive interview, Tony Ronzone of powerhouse agency Wasserman Sports told SPIN.ph that Kai Sotto will be among those who will participate in the Utah Jazz NBA mini-camp from May 30 and 31. Also on the table is the NBA Summer League. During this time, some teams have a chance to travel to different countries and put on a show for international fans. 184K followers View more on Instagram 15,285 likes jalapag3 Great to see Kai here in Sacramento! Sotto declared for the draft late in April 2022. Brandon Miller Alabama SF Age: 20.5. Still, Sotto had his chances after attending multiple pre-draft workouts with teams like the Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers. Seven-foot-two Filipino center Kai Sotto is back for another season with Adelaide. the Thunder have selected in the NBA Draft. It might be his ticket to fulfilling his NBA dream. We are so proud of you @kzsottolive! May 27, 2022 08:23 AM Kai Sotto is projected to land in the second round of the NBA rookie draft, according to the recent mock draft of US-based outlet Sports Illustrated. Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines banked on twins Jayvee and Jaycee Marcelino to trounce Imus SV Squad, 71-54. Where does SEA Games gold with Gilas rank among Chot Reyes' achievements? Creole-Vietnamese American player Johnny Juzang also was not drafted; however, the UCLA basketball guard has agreed to a. with the Utah Jazz. Today we look at Sotto's decision to declare for the draft and what he brings on offense. The Kings posted the highlights of their pre-draft workouts, which included the 7-foot-3 Filipino center and other aspirants Jacob Gilyard, Fatts Russell, Yoan Makoundou, Karlo Matkovic, and Yannick Nzosa. Don't miss out on the latest news and information. Alder Almo is a former senior sportswriter for Philstar.com and NBA.com Philippines. The 36ers are the former team of Oklahoma City Thunders promising young star Josh Giddey. CHICAGO - The long-cuddled dream to see the first full-blooded Filipino play in the NBA just made a giant leap towards reality. "Kai had a more productive NBL season statistically than I think many were expecting him to, but as it remains, there is still room for improvement," Smith said. The 2022 NBA Draft was witness to a potential history-making moment had Filipino prospect Kai Sottos name been called among the 58 draftees. During his first year with the Australian team, Sotto only averaged 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds on 50% from the field and 38% from three-point range. Here are his options. Brandon Miller Alabama SF Age: 20.5. Sotto never ended up playing for the Ignite, His best game was a 12-point, four-rebound performance against reigning champions and top-seeded Melbourne United. However, the first twist in his story is when Sotto decided to pull out of the G League in February 2021 to play for the Philippines national team in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. The judge assigned to hear Disney's lawsuit against Ron DeSantis just disqualified himself from the case because a 'third-degree' relative owns stock in the company. As for Sotto, his journey to the NBA saw him take another detour, this time in Australia as he signed with the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League (NBL) as a Special Restricted Player.. We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on Spin.ph. The next step I really have to think with my family. But to spice things up, the league invites teams from other national basketball leagues to participate in an exhibition game. Scientists Sound Alarm About DNA Tool, How The Border Crisis May Affect Biden 2024 Campaign, Title-hungry Nuggets Face Odds-defying Heat In NBA Finals, Bills, Chiefs, Ravens Have Best Odds To Land DeAndre Hopkins, Harry Kane Eyeing Premier League Giants As Next Team, Pistons Renew Commitment To Young Core With Monty Williams Signing, Guardiola Puts City On Red Alert As United Threaten Treble Bid In FA Cup Final, Filipino prospect Kai Sotto went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, He had a great chance to reach the NBA via the G League, Mismanagement may have played a role in Sotto's misfortunes, Unlock the full content of International Business Times UK for free, Easily manage your Newsletters subscriptions and save your favourite articles. Ultimately, Sottos NBA dreams were sent crashing back down to earth when his name was not announced. Current and former "Eat Bulaga" hosts paid tribute to the noontime show after Vic Sotto, Tito Sotto and Joey de Leon announced Eat Bulaga hosts leave home TV production company. A post shared by ?????????????