ONE STEP CLOSER TO FULFILLING A DREAM

KAI SOTTO JOINS NBA DRAFT

CEBU – Filipino big man Kai Sotto will take one step closer to his dream of making it to the

NBA as he declared on Thursday that he will be joining the 2022 NBA Draft.

After playing a season in the National Basketball League in Australia for the Adelaide 36ers, the 7-foot-3 center said he is hoping for everyone’s support as he takes aim for his ultimate dream.

In a statement through Instagram on Thursday, the 7-foot-3 wunderkind announced that he will join the event scheduled on June 24 (Philippine Time) in New York City.

“I have declared for the 2022 NBA Draft. Please pray for and support me during my quest to fulfill my ultimate dream,” he said on his post on Instagram.

Playing just 15 minutes a game, Sotto still produced solid numbers for Adelaide, averaging 7.52 points on 50% shooting from the field to go with 4.48 rebounds.

However, Sotto averaged 14 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks a night in what could be his last two games as a 36er, both ending up in wins.

Before that, he went for a pro career-high 21 points in a gallant stand against the Brisbane Bullets.

But the 19-year-old Sotto, who suited up for G-League Ignite before taking his talents to Australia, was declared “auto-eligible” for the draft, paving the way for him to throw his name in without any hitch.

Sotto expressed his gratitude to the Adelaide team for helping him become a better player.

“Thank you, Adelaide! Thank you, Australia! It has been an unforgettable year!” said Sotto.

“To the 36ers Management, my teammates, my coaching staff and my agent Joel Bell, I am a better man and a better professional player than a year ago because you all took me under your wing and challenged and mentored me to live up to expectations,” he added.