Kai Sotto joins NBA G League

Top prospect Filipino Kai Sotto is joining NBA G League, the 7 foot 2 inches teenager confirmed Wednesday, May 13.

“Here, I will be playing with some of the very best, and I will have even more resources and support. I am committed to work on developing my game on a much bigger stage,” he added. “I’m very proud and excited to start my professional career with the NBA G League Select Team. I hope to continue counting on your support.”

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“Sotto joins consensus five-star high school recruits Jalen Green, Isaiah Todd and Daishen Nix in signing to play in the NBA G League for the 2020-21 season.  Details of the new team Sotto, Green, Todd, and Nix will play for, which will be unaffiliated with any existing NBA G League franchise or NBA team, are forthcoming,” NBA reported on its website.

“In the last year I have been here in America, I have learned so much. I worked on improving my basketball skills, building up my body and gaining the confidence to play against the best basketball players around the world,” Sotto said. “The opportunity I was given was wonderful.”

“My wish is that you continue to support me and my new teammates, and pray for us and hope for all of our success and health as a team,” he added.

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The NBA G League allows top young prospects to start their professional careers while receiving mentorship and life skills training. The 18-year-old center will have the opportunity to catalyze his on-court development as he learns NBA-style basketball.

Kai Sotto is the son of basketball player Ervin Sotto. He excelled in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) juniors division with Ateneo de Manila High School in Quezon City, before moving to The Skill Factory in Atlanta, Georgia.

Sotto made his national team debut for the Philippines at the 2017 SEABA Under-16 Championship in Quezon City, Philippines. He averaged 16.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and three blocks per game, leading his team to a gold medal. Sotto registered 15 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks in an 83–62 win over Malaysia in the final.

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