I remember watching Kai Sotto's development over the years with genuine fascination, having followed international basketball prospects for nearly a decade now. When news broke that he declared for the 2022 NBA Draft, my immediate reaction was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. The question on every Filipino basketball fan's mind—and frankly, mine too—is whether this 7'3" center from the Philippines will finally hear his name called on draft night. Having analyzed hundreds of draft prospects throughout my career, I can confidently say Sotto represents one of the most intriguing cases in recent memory.
His journey hasn't been conventional by any means. Unlike most prospects who come through the NCAA system, Sotto took the international route, playing in Australia's NBL and most recently with the Adelaide 36ers. The numbers there weren't spectacular—he averaged about 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in approximately 15 minutes per game—but statistics rarely tell the full story for developing big men. What impressed me most was his gradual improvement throughout the season, particularly his growing comfort with physical play. I've noticed how his frame has filled out considerably since he first appeared on the international scene, though he still needs to add another 15-20 pounds of muscle to handle NBA-level physicality.
The reference to Ricardo's comments about the team remaining committed despite shocking losses resonates deeply when I think about Sotto's path. Basketball development is rarely linear, and setbacks are inevitable. I recall watching that game where his team suffered an unexpected defeat, yet Sotto kept competing until the final buzzer. That mental toughness—the ability to bounce back from disappointment—is something NBA scouts value tremendously. In my conversations with league executives, they consistently emphasize that they're not just evaluating skills but character. The way a player responds to adversity often reveals more about their potential than any highlight reel ever could.
From a pure basketball standpoint, Sotto possesses several attributes that make him an interesting prospect. His height is obviously the first thing that catches your eye, but it's his skill level that truly stands out. He moves exceptionally well for someone his size, and his shooting touch extends out to the three-point line. I've charted his shooting in international competitions, and he's shown consistent improvement, now hitting about 34% from deep on limited attempts. His passing vision is another underrated aspect of his game—he reads double teams well and makes smart decisions out of the post. These are the kinds of skills that translate well to the modern NBA, where big men need to be more than just rim protectors and rebounders.
However, the concerns are real and can't be ignored. His defensive positioning needs work, particularly in pick-and-roll coverage where he sometimes gets caught in no-man's land. While he's added strength, he still struggles against more physical opponents who can push him off his spots. The rebounding numbers need to improve—at his height, he should be grabbing closer to 8-9 rebounds per game given his minutes. These aren't insurmountable issues, but they do affect his draft stock significantly. When I compare him to other centers in this draft class, he's probably sitting somewhere in that late second-round conversation right now.
What gives me hope is the growing success of international players in the NBA. We've seen the league become truly global, with stars emerging from every corner of the world. Just last season, we had a record 121 international players on opening night rosters. Teams are more willing than ever to invest in development and be patient with prospects who show unique skills. Sotto's combination of size and shooting is exactly the kind of project that certain franchises love to take fliers on in the second round. The Oklahoma City Thunder, for instance, have shown they're willing to draft and develop raw talent, and they hold multiple second-round picks.
The pathway might not be straightforward though. Even if he goes undrafted, I believe Sotto could find his way to the NBA through the G League or a two-way contract. We've seen numerous players take this route and eventually earn roster spots. The key will be finding the right situation—a team that values his specific skill set and has the patience to develop him properly. His representation will need to be strategic about workouts and interviews, targeting organizations known for player development.
As draft night approaches, I find myself more optimistic than skeptical. Having watched his progression from high school phenom to professional player, the growth is undeniable. He's improved his body, expanded his game, and shown resilience through challenges. The reference to Ricardo's philosophy about staying committed through tough times perfectly captures the mindset Sotto will need as he navigates this process. Nothing will be handed to him, but the tools are there. My prediction? I think there's about a 65% chance he gets drafted, most likely in the 45-60 range, and if not, he'll definitely get a Summer League invitation and a chance to prove himself. The NBA dream feels closer than ever for Kai Sotto, and as someone who's rooted for him since his early days, I genuinely hope this is finally his moment.