Sotto off to Las Vegas
After a remarkable debut on the international stage, top prospect Kai Sotto is scheduled to attend a rigorous two-week training camp at the Impact Basketball in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The 6-foot-11 Sotto left for the United States last Sunday and will undergo the workouts in an effort to further enhance his skills at the training facility that prides itself as the “world’s premier basketball player development authority.”
An incoming second year high school student in Ateneo, Sotto will be accompanied by his father, former pro Ervin Sotto.
“Syempre it’s a big blessing for me, it’s a big opportunity sa akin na makapag-training ako. Hopefully mas magimprove pa ako, mag-improve pa yung game ko,” said the 15-year-old Sotto.
“Excited and happy of course, kasi mga NBA players, top basketball players around the world train there.”
Sotto had impressive numbers during his first international tournament as he averaged 16.75 points, 8.5 rebounds and three blocks per game in helping the national team retain the Under-16 Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Championship last week.
By winning the title, which came via a 4-0 sweep, the national team earned one of two spots to the U16 FIBA Asia Championship slated later this year.
After his stint at Impact Basketball, Sotto will participate in a tournament in Guangdong, China as he and four other Filipino teenagers got an invite from Nike in the All-Asia Cup in early June.
Batang Gilas head coach Mike Oliver said that joining Impact Basketball would help Sotto improve his skills, and that it will benefit the national team for future international tournament.
“Malaking bagay syempre yan para kay Kai kasi talagang magi-improve siya by joining training camps,” said Oliver. “Bubuti yung shooting niya, pati depensa and his work ethic.”
“Of course, isa sa magbe-benefit dyan ay ang national team. Kaya pagbalik ni Kai, expect changes sa game niya,” added Oliver, who is hoping to steer the team to another stint in the U17 World Cup via the FIBA Asia qualifier.