Kai Sotto to Start Training in Atlanta in April
A day after sharing his intention of pursuing his NBA dream, the 7-foot-2 high school prodigy Kai Sotto announced that he is heading to the United States for his training.
Ervin Sotto, who came with his son at Tuesday’s press conference, said Kai will go through two months of intensive training in Atlanta to strengthen his body. Ervin noted that his son already has the height and the basketball skills, but needs to bulk up and get more exposure and more competitive experience.
The younger Sotto echoed the sentiment in a separate interview, saying that his immediate goal is to be stronger physically and mentally.
“The pressure is always there every time I play. I cannot earn all the beautiful things if I’m not going to work hard and work smart. I need to be challenged in order to become a great player,” said Kai.
Father and son are set to fly to the U.S. on April 1. Chooks-to-Go and East West Private have stepped up to help finance Kai’s stay in the U.S.
What to Expect After Kai’s U.S. Training
The elder Sotto admitted that there are no post-training plans yet. According to Ervin, there is no definite plan for a school or a team overseas until after the FIBA U19 World Cup later this year.
However, despite having no clear-cut plan, Kai remains firm with his dream to make it to the NBA.
“I really want to make it into the NBA,” he said. “No matter what happens, I’ll give my best because that’s really my number one goal and dream.”
According to him, he is aiming to achieve his goal of becoming the first Filipino homegrown player to join the NBA in 2021 or 2022.
“I also want to be an inspiration to the youth,” he added.
Kai’s aspiration of going abroad takes root from his Batang Gilas stints in the previous year where he competed in three FIBA competitions (U16, U17, and U18).
“When he played in China, I told Kai this is the test to see how far you can go,” Ervin said.
“At the World Cup in Argentina, we talked. We had a goal to see if he fares well there, let’s see our next steps.”
Ervin confirmed that they received offers from European ball clubs such as FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Alba Berlin, Baskonia, and Movistar Estudiantes. He said, however, that they have yet to make a decision. With regards to the U.S. NCAA, Ervin said they’re not considering it an option as of now.
One Last Game at Home
Before leaving for Atlanta, Kai is looking to participate in the 2019 SLAM Rising Stars Classic on Sunday.
“I still have to see if I can play in the game since our flight in April 1 is scheduled in the morning,” Kai said in Filipino.
“But I’ll definitely try my best to play,” he added.
Kai will be part of Team Hype along with fellow Ateneo players Geo Chiu and Forthsky Padrigao. Joining them are De La Salle Zobel’s Raven Cortez, Far Eastern University-Diliman’s Royce Alforque, Jose Rizal University High School’s John Amores, Xavier School’s Miguel Tan, and Adamson High’s Adam Doria and Joem Sabandal.
Yuri Escueta, Ateneo Seniors assistant coach, will mentor their team.
Team Hype will go head to head with Team Punks, led by UAAP 81 champion Nazareth School of National University’s Gerry Abadiano, Carl Tamayo, and Terrence Fortea.
They will be joining forces with Arellano High’s Aaron Fermin, Lyceum of the Philippines University’s Mac Guadana, University of Sto. Tomas’ Bismarck Lina and Mark Nonoy, FEU’s RJ Abarrientos and Xyrus Torres, Hope Christian High School’s Harvey Pagsanjan, and De La Salle Green Hills’ Joel Cagulangan, Joshua David, and Inand Fornilos.
Team Punks will be mentored by La Salle Seniors assistant coach Gian Nazario.
Kai was a clear standout during his UAAP years, winning Rookie of the Year in Season 79, Finals MVP in Season 80, and MVP in Season 81.
UAAP fans saw his steady improvement through the years, more than doubling his point average from Season 80’s 12.9 to 25.1 in Season 81.
Kai to Still Play for PH Team
The elder Sotto gave his assurance that Kai will still return and play for the Philippines anytime.
“In the contract we signed with Kai, and to any club contract that we will sign, the number one priority is Gilas. Anytime that the Philippines needs the service of my son, expect my kid to be there,” Ervin said.
Apart from the FIBA U19 World Cup, Ervin said Kai will be available to play for the country in the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, or any FIBA tournament should the national team need him.
