Kai Zachary Sotto, a towering 7-foot-3 center born on May 11, 2002, has become a significant figure in the global basketball landscape, particularly for his passionate fanbase in the Philippines. Hailing from a basketball-loving nation and the son of former professional player Ervin Sotto, Kai has been on a journey marked by high expectations, international exposure, and a relentless pursuit of his NBA dream. This article delves into Sotto’s career trajectory, his playing style, and addresses the key questions surrounding his burgeoning career.
Early Years and Domestic Dominance
Sotto’s basketball journey began in his homeland, where he quickly stood out due to his exceptional height. He honed his skills at Ateneo de Manila High School, where he led the Blue Eaglets to a juniors’ division championship and earned the MVP award in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). His dominant performances domestically garnered significant attention, solidifying his status as a top prospect from the Philippines.
Even in his early years, Sotto’s potential was evident. Beyond his height, he displayed surprising mobility, a developing skillset including passing, dunking, and screening, and a commendable basketball IQ. These attributes fueled the early hype surrounding his potential to become the first homegrown Filipino to make it to the NBA.
International Exposure and the NBA G League Ignite
In pursuit of his ultimate goal, Sotto ventured to the United States to further his development. He joined The Skills Factory in Atlanta, a renowned training program, to refine his game against high-level competition. This move was a clear indication of his serious commitment to reaching the NBA.
A significant step in his journey came in May 2020 when Sotto signed with the NBA G League Ignite, a developmental team designed to prepare young prospects for the NBA draft. This move bypassed the traditional US college route, allowing him to train and compete in a professional environment. However, his time with Ignite was cut short due to travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and his commitment to playing for the Philippine national team in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers. This decision, made by mutual agreement, allowed him to gain valuable international experience.
Professional Stints in Australia and Japan
Following his departure from the G League Ignite, Sotto signed with the Adelaide 36ers in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL) in April 2021. As a “Special Restricted Player,” he was treated as a local player, bypassing import restrictions. He played two seasons for the 36ers, gaining valuable professional experience and showcasing his growth against seasoned international players. He was even named the NBL Fans’ MVP in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, highlighting his popularity and impact.
In February 2023, Sotto announced his departure from the 36ers to pursue opportunities overseas, ultimately signing with the Hiroshima Dragonflies in Japan’s B. League. This move provided him with a different basketball culture and further opportunities to develop his game in a competitive Asian league. He later had a loan stint with the Yokohama B-Corsairs during the 2023-2024 season.
As of May 2025, Kai Sotto is currently playing for the Koshigaya Alphas in the Japanese B. League. He signed with the team in 2024 and continues to gain valuable playing time and experience in a professional setting.
The NBA Draft Journey
The question of the NBA draft has been central to the Kai Sotto narrative. He declared for the 2022 NBA draft after his first season with the Adelaide 36ers. While he worked out for multiple NBA teams, he ultimately went undrafted. This outcome, while a setback for his ardent supporters, did not deter Sotto from his ultimate ambition.
Despite not being drafted in 2022, Sotto’s pursuit of the NBA dream continues. He participated in the NBA Summer League with the Orlando Magic in 2023, marking his first official foray into the NBA landscape. Although he faced a minor injury during his brief Summer League stint, it provided him with valuable exposure and experience against NBA-level competition.
Sotto himself has expressed confidence in his ability to make it to the NBA, with his sights potentially set on the 2025 draft. He aims to continue developing his game in the Japanese B. League, hoping to showcase enough improvement and potential to warrant an NBA opportunity in the future.
Playing Style and Potential
Standing at an imposing 7-foot-3, Kai Sotto possesses a natural advantage in terms of size. However, his game is evolving beyond just his height. He has shown flashes of a developing offensive skillset, including a decent shooting touch, post moves, and the ability to run the floor. Defensively, his height and length make him a potential rim protector.
Areas for continued development include adding strength and muscle to compete against the physicality of higher-level competition, improving his consistency on offense, and further refining his defensive instincts. His mobility for his size is a plus, and as he continues to mature and gain experience, his overall game is expected to become more well-rounded.
The Enduring Dream
Kai Sotto’s journey is a testament to his dedication and the unwavering support of his fanbase. While the path to the NBA has presented challenges, his commitment to his dream remains evident. His continued professional career in Japan provides him with a platform to hone his skills and gain valuable experience. As he progresses, the basketball world, particularly his Filipino supporters, will be keenly watching to see if “The Kaiju” can ultimately achieve his long-held ambition of playing in the NBA. His story is one of perseverance, international experience, and the enduring pursuit of a dream.
FAQs
What is Kai Sotto’s current status?
As of May 2025, Kai Sotto is in the recovery phase following a torn ACL injury sustained in January 2025 during a Japan B. League game with the Koshigaya Alphas. The injury has sidelined him for the remainder of the season and has affected his participation in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers . Despite this setback, Sotto is actively working on his rehabilitation and is expected to return to the court in the latter half of 2025.
What are Kai Sotto’s career highlights?
Kai Sotto began his basketball journey in the Philippines before moving to the United States to further his development. He played for the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL), where he averaged 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game during the 2021-2022 season . Sotto has also been a key player for the Philippine national team, Gilas Pilipinas, contributing significantly in international competitions.
Has Kai Sotto been drafted into the NBA?
In the 2022 NBA Draft, Kai Sotto was not selected. Despite participating in workouts with several NBA teams, including the Orlando Magic and Sacramento Kings, he was not selected . Following the draft, Sotto signed with the Wasserman agency to manage his career and explore opportunities in the NBA and other professional leagues .
What are Kai Sotto’s future prospects?
While the NBA remains a goal for Kai Sotto, he is also exploring other avenues to advance his professional career. The Japan B. League, where he currently plays, is considered a competitive league that can provide valuable experience and exposure. Additionally, the National Basketball League (NBL) in Australia has been a stepping stone for several players who later succeeded in the NBA, indicating that a return to the NBL is a viable option for Sotto .
How has the Filipino community supported Kai Sotto?
Despite not being drafted into the NBA, Kai Sotto has received overwhelming support from the Filipino community. Fans have expressed pride in his achievements and have continued to back his career through various platforms. Notably, boxing champion Manny Pacquiao publicly showed his support, emphasizing the nation’s pride in Sotto’s journey and accomplishments .
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