After a stellar high school basketball career, Kai Sotto is left with one decision that could change his life forever
By Nicole Ganglani | Photo from Inquirer.net
When you graduate high school as the best high school baller in the country, it’s no question that everyone’s going to want to know where you’re headed. That’s something Kai Sotto has kept in his mind over the past few months but the 7’2 big man is aiming high with the goal to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
The road to playing in the most popular basketball league in the world won’t be easy for Sotto who already has a starting point. The Atenean has made headlines after international clubs, specifically Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Baskonia, Alba Berlin, and Movistar Estudiantes all want the Blue Eaglet to suit up for them Europe. Playing overseas is the perfect start for Sotto if he wants to take his talents stateside just like what Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis did.
“What’s important for me is that I improve, that I get better, and that I get stronger especially that my real goal is to get to the NBA,” Sotto told reporters. I’ll do anything to get there,” he added.
What makes Sotto a standout is his all-around game and athleticism at such a young age. Not to mention that the 16-year-old also has the height of a professional NBA player—something that’s uncommon in the Philippines. In his last University of Athletics Association Philippines (UAAP) Juniors stint, Sotto tallied an average of 25.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.6 blocks for the season on top of notching the MVP award for two consecutive years.
The young giant’s game has made waves in the international basketball stage but Sotto remains certain that his decision will also revolve around his family, growth as a basketball player, and the education he’s bound to receive.
“All I’m thinking about is how I can repay all the positive things that they said about me. I have to prove to them that I deserve to be recognized.” Sotto stated.
Finding the perfect destination will be a task for the two-time UAAP Juniors MVP but he has mentioned that he’ll have an answer by summer and after the 2019 Chooks-to-Go SM-NBTC National Finals tournament.
As the top-ranked high school player, Sotto was appointed team captain of team hustle in this year’s 2019 Chooks-to-Go SM-NBTC National Finals tournament. The high school senior will go up against various high school standouts in the country namely Joel Cagulangan, Carl Tamayo, Inand Fornilos, Joshua David and Harvey Pagsanjan on Mar. 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
This summer will be a special one for Sotto who’s bound to make the biggest decision in his life. With the goal of making it to the NBA, Sotto vows that he’s going to do whatever it takes to get to suit up in the world’s biggest basketball stage.
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