The Philippine Star

Oh boy, Kai can soar

- By JOHN BRYAN ULANDAY

Kai Sotto has shown another huge developmen­t in his ever-transformi­ng game in the United States.

Days after his coach Rob Johnson shared that the 7-foot-2 Filipino wunderkind has improved by leaps and bounds in terms of explosiven­ess and strength, Sotto displayed an amazing vertical improvemen­t this time.

The NBA G League-bound Sotto recorded an insane 11-foot and 11.5-inch vertical leap in the middle of his training in Atlanta, Georgia, according to a video he posted on his official Instagram account.

Blessed with long wingspan in his towering height, the 18-year-old prospect proved this time that he can also be intimidati­ng as rim protector.

His wild vertical improvemen­t drew comparison­s to the 7-foot-2 Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis, who recorded a maximum leap of 12’2.5”.

This new card off Sotto’s pocket is one of the many anticipate­d results from being a dedicated athlete as assured by personal mentor Johnson.

“Kai has a great attitude. He has a great attitude about training. He is a gym rat,” said Johnson in a previous interview with The Olympic Channel. “He is easy to coach and understand­s instructio­ns and concepts at a very high level.”

Sotto is expected to continue training under TSF until the opening of the next G League season that has been moved to early next year.

He will join Fil-Am Jalen Green and other US high school prospects in the exclusive G League squad under coach Brian Shaw.

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